S.B. 1179 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1179
By: West
Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, a convicted offender of a violent crime is eligible to receive
a gubernatorial pardon. However, the governor has no power to pardon an
individual convicted of a lesser offense, for which the court has rendered
a deferred adjudication disposition.  Senate Bill 1179 authorizes the
governor to grant a  pardon to a person who has received deferred
adjudication.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1179 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to give the
governor power to grant reprieves and commutations, in all criminal cases,
except treason and impeachment, after order of deferred adjudication, on
written signed recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and
Paroles, or a majority thereof.    

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.