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A JOINT RESOLUTION
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proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to |
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grant one or more reprieves in a capital case. |
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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 11(b), Article IV, Texas Constitution, |
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is amended to read as follows: |
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(b) In all criminal cases, except treason and impeachment, |
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the Governor shall have power, after conviction, on the written |
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signed recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and |
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Paroles, or a majority thereof, to grant reprieves and commutations |
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of punishment and pardons; and under such rules as the Legislature |
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may prescribe, and upon the written recommendation and advice of a |
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majority of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, he shall have the |
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power to remit fines and forfeitures. The Governor shall have the |
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power to grant one or more reprieves [reprieve] in any capital case |
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for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days for each reprieve; and |
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he shall have power to revoke conditional pardons. With the advice |
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and consent of the Legislature, he may grant reprieves, |
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commutations of punishment and pardons in cases of treason. |
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SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be |
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submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009. |
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The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the |
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proposition: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the |
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governor to grant more than one reprieve in a capital case." |