By: Thompson, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Ellis) H.J.R. No. 58
         (In the Senate - Received from the House April 27, 2009;
  April 27, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on
  Criminal Justice; May 6, 2009, reported favorably by the following
  vote:  Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 6, 2009, sent to printer.)
 
 
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION
 
  proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to
  grant one or more reprieves in a capital case.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 11(b), Article IV, Texas Constitution,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (b)  In all criminal cases, except treason and impeachment,
  the Governor shall have power, after conviction, on the written
  signed recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and
  Paroles, or a majority thereof, to grant reprieves and commutations
  of punishment and pardons; and under such rules as the Legislature
  may prescribe, and upon the written recommendation and advice of a
  majority of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, he shall have the
  power to remit fines and forfeitures. The Governor shall have the
  power to grant one or more reprieves [reprieve] in any capital case
  for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days for each reprieve; and
  he shall have power to revoke conditional pardons. With the advice
  and consent of the Legislature, he may grant reprieves,
  commutations of punishment and pardons in cases of treason.
         SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009.
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition:  "The constitutional amendment authorizing the
  governor to grant more than one reprieve in a capital case."
 
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