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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to criminal defendants bail findings and post hearing |
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evaluation |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Article 16.22, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
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amended by adding Subsection (a)(4) to read as follows: |
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(4) A defendant may request an evaluation under of |
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this section. |
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SECTION 2. Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
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amended by adding Subsections (g), (g-1), and (h) to read as |
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follows: |
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(g) If a magistrate determines that a bond is required to |
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ensure the defendant's return to court, the magistrate shall make a |
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written statement regarding the method used to determine the bond |
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amount. |
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(g-1) The written statement must include any findings |
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related to the defendant's financial situation, mental health, or |
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intellectual and developmental disability. |
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(h) The magistrate shall notify a defendant and make a good |
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faith effort to notify the defendant's next of kin of the |
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defendant's right to appeal based on any newly discovered findings |
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regarding the defendant's financial situation, mental health, or |
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intellectual and developmental disability. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |