Honorable Joe Moody, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1601 by Lozano (Relating to the release on bail of a person arrested under a warrant issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or the Board of Pardons and Paroles.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code such that the only requirement for a magistrate to order the release on bail of a defendant who has been arrested for a violation of a condition of parole or mandatory supervison would be a determination by the magistrate that the defendant is not a threat to public safety. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, the Department of Criminal Justice, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished with existing resources.
Local Government Impact
According to Harris County, the county anticipates a positive fiscal impact; however, cost savings are contingent upon the number of people released by the magistrate.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice, 697 Board of Pardons and Paroles