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.