The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to decrease the time periods by which the State must be ready for trial following a defendant's detention before triggering the requirement that the defendant be released on personal bond or by reducing the amount of bail.
According to the Office of Court Administration, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated.
According to the Sheriff's Association of Texas, the bill would require additional personnel to assess and report on defendants released on personal recognizance, related office space additions, and data management requirements. Also, County Sheriffs may need to increase their fugitive/warrant divisions to locate and return people to the courts.
According to Hays County, the bill would require additional personnel costs of $514,806. According to the Hays County District Attorney, meeting the deadline to file a case before the defendant is eligible for a reduced or public personal recognizance bond would require the addition of five intake coordinators and three new prosecutors.
The Office of Court Administration anticipates no significant fiscal impact to local courts.