Senate Committee on Criminal Justice - 88th R.S. (2023)
Committee Members
- Pete Flores, Chair
- John Whitmire, Chair
- Pete Flores, Vice Chair
- Phil King, Vice Chair
- Paul Bettencourt
- Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
- Joan Huffman
- Phil King
- Borris Miles
Charges
- Stopping Child Predators: Study how predators use deepfake technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to harm or exploit children. Monitor the implementation of HB 2700 88th R.S., relating to prosecution of certain criminal offenses prohibiting sexually explicit visual material involving children. Recommend additional legislation to protect children as technology continues to evolve.
- Bail Reform: Examine "charitable bail organizations" that pay bail for defendants, thereby relieving them of any financial incentive to appear in court. Study the operations and funding sources of these organizations. Make recommendations to ensure accountability for "charitable bail organizations" that provide free bond for arrested individuals that reoffend while out on bond; further restrict these organizations’ ability to post bail for violent individuals; and promote transparency.
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Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice passed by the 88th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
- SB 1004 88th R.S., relating to creating the criminal offense of tampering with an electronic monitoring device and to certain consequences on conviction of that offense.
Notes
Senator Whitmire served as Chair from 1/23/2023-1/1/2024. Senator Flores appointed Chair and Senator King appointed Vice Chair, 12/12/2023, effective 1/1/2024.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick
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