SRC-LBB, VRA S.B. 219 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 219
78R136 KEL-DBy: Ellis, Rodney
Jurisprudence
3/19/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Board of Pardons and Paroles (TBPP) is not required to meet
as a body when deliberating clemency matters.  The state's clemency
process has been criticized by those who feel that by not meeting as a
body, TBPP may not be giving due consideration to certain inmates who
appeal for clemency.  As proposed, S.B. 219 requires TBPP to meet as a
body to perform clemency duties involving capital cases and prohibits TBPP
from holding a hearing by telephone in those matters. 

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 508.047(b), Government Code, to provide that,
except in a capital case, the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles
(board) are not required to meet as a body to perform the members' duties
in clemency matters. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 551.124, Government Code, to authorize the
board to hold a hearing on clemency matters, other than matters involving
a capital case, by telephone conference call at the call of the presiding
officer of the board. 

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.