SRC-MWN S.J.R. 25 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 25
77R4772 GWK-DBy: Shapleigh
Criminal Justice
4/2/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE

Currently, there are concerns about certain factors regarding the
implementation of capital punishment. As proposed, S.J.R. 25 amends the
Texas Constitution to prohibit the Department of Criminal Justice from
performing executions until September 1, 2003.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 11, Article IV, Texas Constitution, by adding
Subsection (c), to provide that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is
prohibited from performing executions until September 1, 2003, to permit an
entity created by the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001 to complete
and present to the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, any studies on
the administration of capital punishment in this state required by the
legislature and any recommended legislation to improve procedures in
capital cases. Provides that this subsection expires September 2, 2003. 

SECTION 2. Requires this amendment to be submitted to the voters at an
election to be held November 6, 2001. Requires the ballot to be printed
voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment
establishing a moratorium on the execution of persons convicted of capital
offenses."