By Gallego                                            H.B. No. 1584
         77R5793 GWK-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to procedures applicable to the release of an inmate on
 1-3     mandatory supervision.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Section 508.044(b), Government Code, is amended to
 1-6     read as follows:
 1-7           (b)  In addition to performing the duties imposed on the
 1-8     board by the Texas Constitution, board members shall determine:
 1-9                 (1)  which inmates are to be released on parole or
1-10     mandatory supervision;
1-11                 (2)  conditions of parole or mandatory supervision;
1-12                 (3)  which releasees may be released from supervision
1-13     and reporting; and
1-14                 (4)  the revocation of parole or mandatory supervision.
1-15           SECTION 2. Section 508.153(a), Government Code, is amended to
1-16     read as follows:
1-17           (a)  A parole panel considering for release on parole or
1-18     mandatory supervision an inmate who is serving a sentence for an
1-19     offense in which a person was a victim shall allow:
1-20                 (1)  the victim, a guardian of the victim, a close
1-21     relative of the deceased victim, or a representative of the victim,
1-22     the victim's guardian, or the victim's close relative to provide a
1-23     written statement to the panel; and
1-24                 (2)  the victim, guardian of the victim, or close
 2-1     relative of the deceased victim to appear in person before the
 2-2     board members to present a statement of the person's views about:
 2-3                       (A)  the offense;
 2-4                       (B)  the inmate; and
 2-5                       (C)  the effect of the offense on the victim.
 2-6           SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.