82(R) SB 1688 - Introduced version



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the authority of the governor to grant one or more
	reprieves in a capital case.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. Article 48.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Art. 48.01. GOVERNOR MAY PARDON. 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 punishments and pardons; 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
	30 days for each reprieve; and he shall have power to revoke
	conditional pardons. With the advice and consent of the
	Legislature, the Governor may grant reprieves, commutations of
	punishment and pardons in cases of treason.
	SECTION 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 2012, but only
	if the constitutional amendment proposed by the 82nd Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2011, authorizing the governor to grant one or
	more reprieves in a capital case is approved by the voters. If that
	amendment is not approved by the voters, this Act has no effect.