Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 44	House Author:  Hodge et al.
Effective:  Vetoed	Senate Sponsor:  Uresti

            House Bill 44 amends the Government Code to authorize the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to restore an inmate's good conduct time forfeited due to commission of an offense or violation of a rule unless the inmate is serving a sentence for certain felony offenses.

      Reason Given for Veto:  "House Bill No. 44 would allow the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to restore forfeited good conduct time to an inmate while imprisoned. Current statute gives the department the discretion to forfeit all or part of an inmate's good conduct time credits if an inmate commits an offense or violates a department rule. That is sufficient discretion.

      "Providing an additional discretionary opportunity does nothing to protect public safety. Indeed, this bill could endanger public safety by triggering early release of convicted felons who act out in prison."