The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

85th Legislature

August 30, 2018

12:00 p.m.

E2.014

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on August 8, 2018, the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Moody, at 12:11 p.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Moody; Hunter; Hefner; Lang; and Wilson.

 

A quorum was present.

 

 

The committee met to hear invited testimony on the following interim charges:

 

Interim Charge 1: Evaluate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas criminal justice system, including its effect on the speed of criminal trials and litigation, criminal courts, district attorneys' ability to prosecute, and attorneys' ability to provide proper defense. Recommend any changes that could improve operational stability of state criminal justice institutions following a natural disaster and changes that would allow for a more effective response.

 

Interim Charge 7: Monitor the work of the Office of Court Administration on pre-trial risk assessment tools for the Texas Judiciary, and study the use of risk assessment tools at various stages in the criminal justice process. Monitor litigation on Harris County pretrial bond practices. Monitor the implementation of the legislation passed by the 85th Legislature regarding the imposition of fines, fees, and court costs in criminal courts.

 

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

At 3:48 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Moody, Chair

 

 

________________________________________________

Rachel Wetsel, Clerk