Honorable Tan Parker, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2069 by Bonnen, Dennis (Relating to the release of inmates convicted of certain violent crimes on medically recommended intensive supervision.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to exclude offenders who require long-term care from release under medically recommended intensive supervision (MRIS).
The bill would add new provisions requiring the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) to notify the victim or close relative of a deceased victim whenever it identifies an inmate as a candidate for release. It would also require the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) panel to allow the victim or close relative of a deceased victim to appear in person before the panel to present a statement. The BPP must review the circumstances surrounding the commission of the instant offense before making a determination.
Based on the LBB’s analysis of MRIS referral data, the bill would significantly decrease the number of cases voted by the BPP’s MRIS panel. In fiscal year 2012, 57 percent of all cases presented to the BPP were for offenders requiring long-term care. The time saved from voting fewer cases by the MRIS panel would be partially offset by the additional time to consider victim impact statements. Based on LBB analysis of the duties and responsibilities of TCOOMMI and BPP, it is assumed that the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources. Reducing the numbers of offenders eligible for MRIS is expected to result in increased demands upon the state’s correctional resources due to longer terms of confinement in prison. However, it is assumed that this reduction would not significantly impact state correctional agency resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
696 Department of Criminal Justice, 697 Board of Pardons and Paroles