78R3222 GWK-D

By:  Keel                                                         H.B. No. 1431



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the eligibility of certain criminal defendants for 
release on appeal bond.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Article 44.04(b), Code of Criminal Procedure, is 
amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The defendant may not be released on bail pending the 
appeal from any felony conviction where the punishment [equals or] 
exceeds 10 years confinement or where the defendant has been 
convicted of an offense listed under Section 3g(a)(1), Article 
42.12, but shall immediately be placed in custody and the bail 
discharged.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.