This website will be unavailable from Friday, April 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.

                                                                                

78S10045 KCR-D

By:  Ellis                                                        S.B. No. 15 



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authority of the governor to grant one or more 
reprieves in a capital case.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Article 48.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, is 
amended to read as follows:
	Art. 48.01.  GOVERNOR MAY PARDON.  In all criminal cases, 
except treason and impeachment, the Governor shall have power, 
after conviction, on the written signed recommendation and advice 
of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, or a majority thereof, to grant 
reprieves and commutations of punishments and pardons;  and upon 
the written recommendation and advice of a majority of the Board of 
Pardons and Paroles, he shall have the power to remit fines and 
forfeitures.  The Governor shall have the power to grant one or more 
reprieves [reprieve] in any capital case for a period not to exceed 
30 days for each reprieve; and he shall have power to revoke 
conditional pardons.  With the advice and consent of the 
Legislature, the Governor may grant reprieves, commutations of 
punishment and pardons in cases of treason.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2005, but only 
if the constitutional amendment proposed by the 78th Legislature, 
1st Called Session, 2003, authorizing the governor to grant one or 
more reprieves in a capital case is approved by the voters.  If that 
amendment is not approved by the voters, this Act has no effect.