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25 Document(s) [ Subject: ]

Committee:	House Criminal Justice Reform, Interim Study
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Asset forfeiture | Bail | Juries | Jury instructions | Juvenile detention facilities | Juvenile justice system | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Police misconduct | Police officers | Police reform | Prisons | Prosecutorial misconduct |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [42 pages  File size: 1,951 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the implementation of SB 6, 87th 2nd C.S., relating to changes in the state's bail system, to determine if additional legislation is needed to ensure Texans are protected from the most dangerous criminals while ensuring the constitutional rights of defendants.
2.	Examine the following areas of criminal justice policy: (A) Policing, including training, use of force, arrest procedures, and alternative responses to nonviolent and noncriminal issues; (B) Criminal procedure and due process from initial detention through appeal, including: policies and penalties relating to drug offenses; use of prosecutorial discretion; use and conditions of detention and incarceration; the civil asset forfeiture process; and jury instructions and sentencing guidelines in felony cases; (C) The level of transparency in policing and prosecution, including the grand jury process; (D) The appropriate age range for the juvenile justice system and parole eligibility, in addition to procedures for juveniles certified as adults; and (E) Opportunities to reduce recidivism and remove barriers to re-entry after justice involvement.
Committee:	Senate State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Abortion | Campus carry | Concealed weapons | Court costs and fees | Election fraud | Freedom of religion | Gun control | Human trafficking | Lobbyists | Occupational licenses | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Privacy | State agencies | Theft | Voter registration | Voting by mail | Voting systems |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 St29a
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [51 pages  File size: 1,479 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Human Trafficking: Examine opportunities and make recommendations to reduce the profitability of and demand for human trafficking in Texas. Determine ways to increase public awareness on the proliferation of human trafficking, as well as resources for victims and survivors. Review the interaction between local, state, and federal agencies in responding to and prosecuting human trafficking and sex trafficking offenses in Texas' five most populous counties. Make recommendations to ensure law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have the tools necessary to promptly and thoroughly respond to these crimes.
2.	Elections: Study the integrity and security of voter registration rolls, voting machines, and voter qualification procedures to reduce election fraud in Texas. Specifically, study and make recommendations to: 1) ensure counties are accurately verifying voter eligibility after voter registration; 2) improve training requirements for mail-in ballot signature verification committees; 3) ensure every voter has access to a polling station, particularly in counties that have adopted countywide polling; 4) allow the voter registrar, county clerk, and Secretary of State to suspend an unqualified voter's registration or remove an ineligible voter from a list of registered voters; and 5) ensure compliance with laws that prohibit school trustees and employees from improperly using public funds to advocate for or against any candidate, measure, or political party.
3.	Conscience Protections for Professionals: Assess current legal protections in Texas law for professionals and students studying to pursue a professional license that have an conscience-based objection that could interfere with a professional service. Evaluate any discrimination by state agencies against an applicant for or holder of an occupational license based on a sincerely held religious belief. Make recommendations to protect Texas professionals with conscience objections.
4.	Private Personal Data: Study how state agencies sell or otherwise distribute the personal data of Texas residents and recommend whether additional measures are needed to prevent the unwanted disclosure of personal information.
5.	Taxpayer Lobbying: Study how governmental entities use public funds for political lobbying purposes. Examine what types of governmental entities use public funds for lobbying purposes. Make recommendations to protect taxpayers from paying for lobbyists who may not represent the taxpayers’ interests.
6.	Second Amendment: Examine Second Amendment legislation passed since the 84th Legislative Session including open carry, campus carry, and lowering the license to carry fee. Determine the impact these laws have made on furthering and protecting Second Amendment rights. Make recommendations that may further protect and enhance Texans' Second Amendment right to bear arms.
7.	Personal Property Protections: Examine prosecution rates for thefts involving property valued under $1,000. Make recommendations to ensure law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have the tools necessary to thoroughly protect Texans' personal property from theft.
8.	Lobbying Loopholes: Review current lobby laws and examine exceptions that allow certain individuals to avoid registration as lobbyists. Consider whether the exceptions are fair, transparent, and promote the public's trust in their elected officials and governmental institutions. Propose whether these exceptions should be limited or removed so that all people engaging in lobbying must report their lobbying activities.
9.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs passed by the 86th 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 22, 86th R.S., relating to prohibiting certain transactions between a governmental entity and an abortion provider; and SB 39, 86th R.S., to the consolidation, allocation, classification, and repeal of certain criminal court costs and other court-related costs, fines, and fees; imposing certain court costs and fees and increasing and decreasing the amounts of certain other court costs and fees.
Committee:	Senate Water and Rural Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Dams and levees | Emergency management | Groundwater | Hemp | Infrastructure | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Public demonstrations | River authorities | Water and wastewater utility rates and charges | Water planning | Water supplies |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 W291R
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [71 pages  File size: 254 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Future Water Supply: Examine current laws, processes, and water storage options and availability. Make recommendations promoting the state's water supply, storage, availability, valuation, movement, and development of new sources.
2.	River Authority Infrastructure: Examine the roles and responsibilities of river authorities in maintaining their managed assets including, but not limited to, dams. Evaluate the impact on the economy, water supply, and flood control due to deferred maintenance. Make recommendations to promote infrastructure stability and maintain the usability of these bodies of water.
3.	Groundwater Regulatory Framework: Study the state's groundwater regulatory framework and make recommendations to improve groundwater regulation, management, and permitting.
4.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committees on Natural Resources and Economic Development and Water and Rural Affairs passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under each committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, and SB 500, relating to disaster response and recovery, disaster funds, state-wide flood planning, and dam maintenance; SB 698, related to expedited permitting; SB 700, relating to water utility ratemaking reform; SB 2272, relating to certain amendment and revocation procedures; HB 1325, relating to the production and regulation of hemp; and HB 3557, relating to civil and criminal liability for engaging in certain conduct involving a critical infrastructure facility.
Committee:	House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Bail | Capital punishment | Capital punishment of mentally ill inmates | Capital punishment of mentally disabled inmates | Court Administration, Texas Office of | Court costs and fees | Courts | Criminal justice | Emergency management | Fines | Gun control | Guns | Hurricane Harvey | Jury instructions | Legal malpractice | Marijuana | Mentally ill persons | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prosecutorial misconduct | Risk-based decision-making | School safety | School violence | Sex crimes | Shootings | State jail system |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 C868h
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [103 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
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.
2.	Assess developments in medical science and legal standards related to the imposition of the death penalty on defendants with serious mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Review statutorily prescribed jury instructions used during capital sentencing.
3.	Study current practices for the enforcement of criminal laws against low-level possession of marijuana. Examine the use of alternative punishments and improvements to criminal enforcement mechanisms and community supervision.
4.	Examine instances of prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of defense counsel. Review systemic and structural issues affecting the resolution of criminal cases.
5.	Examine the legal framework surrounding sexual assault prosecutions, including statutory definitions, certain age-based offenses, and ongoing developments in evidence collection and processing.
6.	Review the Texas state jail system, including its original intent, sentencing guidelines, effectiveness, and recidivism rates. Make recommendations for changes in the state jail system that will improve outcomes. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Corrections)
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.
8.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
9.	Review the applicable portions of the state's penal laws and make legislative recommendations regarding whether existing protective order laws are sufficient or could be amended to include 'red flag' or mental health protective orders or whether 'red flag' or mental health protective orders should be independently created to allow law enforcement, a family member, a school employee, or a district attorney to file a petition seeking removal of firearms from a potentially dangerous person and providing for mental health treatment for the potentially dangerous person, while preserving the fundamental rights of the Second Amendment and ensuring due process.
10.	Examine current statutes designed to protect minors from accessing firearms without proper supervision and make recommendations to ensure responsible and safe firearm storage, including enhancing the penalty to a felony when unauthorized access results in death or bodily injury.
Committee:	House General Investigating and Ethics
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Campaign finance and expenditure reports | Charities | Conflicts of interest | Disaster relief | Employee benefits | Ethics Commission, Texas | Federal funds | Financial disclosures | Gifts and donations | Government ethics | Government travel | Hurricane Harvey | Judicial campaigns | Lobbyists | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | State agencies | State employee benefits | State employees |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 G286
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [64 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Maintain oversight of federal, state, local, and charitable funds spent in response to Hurricane Harvey. Investigate instances of waste, fraud, or abuse involving such funds. Ensure that the State of Texas is maximizing federal disaster aid.
2.	Review conflict of interest laws governing public officers and employees to ensure that such laws are adequate to maintain the public’s confidence in government decision-making. Review personal financial statement requirements to ensure that the public has sufficient information on the private financial interests of public officers.
3.	Review criminal penalties under Chapter 305, Government Code (registration of lobbyists) and recommend improvements to maintain the integrity of legislative and administrative processes.
4.	Examine the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act and identify opportunities to improve the Act.
5.	Review procedures and processes used at the Texas Ethics Commission. Identify ways to resolve complaints more efficiently.
6.	Examine employment policies and practices at state agencies relating to the hiring of individuals who were terminated from employment with another state agency for misconduct.
7.	Review the implementation of S.B. 73 (85R) relating to leave policies and procedures for state employees.
8.	Examine laws and policies regulating travel by state agency officials to ensure that travel expenditures are in the best interest of the state.
9.	Investigate the use of state agency resources to participate in trade associations and groups funded by industries regulated by the agency.
10.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
Committee:	House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child Protective Services | Criminal justice | Drug courts | Drug rehabilitation programs | Emergency medical services | Homelessness | Juvenile justice system | Law enforcement | Mentally ill persons | Opioids | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Pregnancy | Prescription drugs | Specialty courts | State agencies | Substance abuse | Synthetic drugs | Veterans |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 Op3
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [117 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the prevalence and impact of substance use and substance use disorders in Texas, including co-occurring mental illness. Study the prevalence and impact of opioids and synthetic drugs in Texas. Review the history of overdoses and deaths due to overdoses. Also review other health-related impacts due to substance abuse. Identify substances that are contributing to overdoses, related deaths and health impacts, and compare the data to other states. During the review, identify effective and efficient prevention and treatment responses by health care systems, including hospital districts and coordination across state and local governments. Recommend solutions to prevent overdoses and related health impacts and deaths in Texas.
2.	Review the prevalence of substance abuse and substance use disorders in pregnant women, veterans, homeless individuals, and people with co-occurring mental illness. In the review, study the impact of opioids and identify available programs specifically targeted to these populations and the number of people served. Consider whether the programs have the capacity to meet the needs of Texans. In addition, research innovative programs from other states that have reduced substance abuse and substance use disorders, and determine if these programs would meet the needs of Texans. Recommend strategies to increase the capacity to provide effective services.
3.	Review policies and guidelines used by state agencies to monitor for and prevent abuse of prescription drugs in state-funded or state-administered programs. Include in this review policies implemented by the Texas Medicaid Program, the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance, the Teacher Retirement System, and the Employee Retirement System. Make recommendations regarding best practices.
4.	Monitor and evaluate the implementation of legislation passed by the 85th Legislature regarding the Prescription Monitoring Program. In addition, review the prescribing of addictive drugs by physicians and other health care providers within various geographic regions of this state. Determine the role of health care professionals in preventing overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions. Provide recommendations that will improve efforts to prevent overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions.
5.	Identify how opioids have impacted the normal scope of work for law enforcement, first responders, and hospital emergency department personnel.
6.	Examine the impact of substance abuse and substance use disorders on Texans who are involved in the adult or juvenile criminal justice system and/or the Child Protective Services system. Identify barriers to treatment and the availability of treatment in various areas of the state. Recommend solutions to improve state and local policy, including alternatives to justice system involvement, and ways to increase access to effective treatment and recovery options.
7.	Examine the impact of overdose reporting defense laws known as "Good Samaritan" laws.
8.	Identify the specialty courts in Texas that specialize in substance use disorders. Determine the effectiveness of these courts and consider solutions to increase the number of courts in Texas.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, June 26, 2018 (Good Samaritan laws, law enforcement and first responders).
Library Call Number:
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View document [30 pages  File size: 1,629 kb]
Committee:	Senate State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Abortion | Attorney General of Texas | Court costs and fees | Emergency communications | Emergency management | Evacuation routes | Fees | Freedom of religion | Freedom of speech | Gun control | Higher education | Human trafficking | Natural disasters | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Price gouging | Public retirement systems | Theft |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 ST29a
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [71 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the interaction between federal, state, and local agencies in charge of responding to natural disasters. Examine emergency situation operations, including evacuation routes and procedures, and the efficient use of Disaster Recovery Centers. Make recommendations to ensure emergency management officials have the tools and authority necessary to promptly and appropriately respond to disaster areas and alert citizens to potential threats.
2.	Study and make recommendations on the benefit of the state maintaining a single, web-based source of comprehensive information that outlines the State Emergency Operations during times of disaster.
3.	Review the Attorney General's efforts related to price-gouging and identify existing issues with current law, if any, that could be remedied to further protect Texans during times of disaster.
4.	Review laws related to looting crimes. Examine whether current penalties and enhancements are sufficient to deter looting crimes during a disaster.
5.	Second Amendment: Review local ordinances imposed on sellers and venues that affect a person's rights under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Examine state and local regulations and restrictions regarding the carrying of weapons during a natural disaster. Make recommendations on whether any legislation is needed to address the regulatory barriers to the full exercise of the Second Amendment rights of citizens.
6.	Pensions: Examine and assess public pension systems in Texas. Specifically, review and assess (1) the different types of retirement plans; (2) the actuarial assumptions used by retirement systems to value their liabilities and the consequences of amending those assumptions; (3) retirement systems' investment practices and performance; and (4) the adequacy of financial disclosures including asset returns and fees. Make recommendations to ensure public pension system retirees' benefits are preserved and protected.
7.	Attorney General Jurisdiction: Examine the Attorney General's jurisdiction on issues of alleged violations of state laws regarding abortion and multi -jurisdictional human trafficking cases. Make recommendations to ensure uniform enforcement across the state.
8.	Court Fees: Examine the structure of court fees and make recommendations to ensure statutory filing fees and court costs are appropriate and justified. Provide reeommendations for proper agency oversight of fee collection.
9.	Campus Free Speech: Ascertain any restrictions on Freedom of Speech rights that Texas students face in expressing their views on campus along with freedoms of the press, religion, and assembly. Recommend policy changes that protect First Amendment rights and enhance the free speech environment on campus.
10.	Religious Liberty: Monitor the implementation of legislation that protects citizens' religious freedoms, including Senate Bill 24 (sermon safeguard) and House Bill 555 (religious liberty of county clerks), and make recommendations for any legislation needed to ensure that citizens' religious freedoms are not eroded by local ordinances or state or federal law.
11.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs, 85th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/ or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: Implementation of Senate Bill 2190, relating to the public retirement systems of certain municipalities; • Implementation of House Bill 3158, relating to the retirement systems for and the provision of other benefits to police and firefighters in certain municipalities; • Implementation of House Bill 3976, relating to the administration of and benefits payable under the Texas Public School Retired Employees Group Benefits Act; and • Implementation of Senate Bill 16, relating to decreasing the fee for the issuance of a license to carry a handgun.
Committee:	Senate Criminal Justice
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternatives to incarceration | Driving while intoxicated | Elderly inmates | Felonies | Inmate health | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Mentally ill inmates | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Probation | Texas Penal Code | Theft | Youthful offenders |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 C868
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [85 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review cases involving the imposition of probation rather than imprisonment or commitment for adult and juvenile intoxication manslaughter offenders. Make recommendations to ensure that intoxication manslaughter sentences include appropriate punishment levels, maintain public safety, and serve to deter driving under the influence.
2.	Study the operations of the Texas prison system with respect to the medical and mental health care treatment. Study potential cost savings associated with identifying offenders with dual diagnoses and routing these individuals into appropriate services before, during, and after involvement with the criminal justice system. Study the way in which geriatric parole cases are currently evaluated and identify opportunities for reducing costs associated with the geriatric inmate population without compromising public safety.
3.	Study and make recommendations related to jail diversion, reduced recidivism rates, and access to services for those within the system who suffer from a mental illness. Monitor the progress and implementation of the jail diversion pilot program for the mentally ill in Harris County and determine the best practices to be applied statewide.
4.	Compile an inventory of all the juvenile specialty courts in the state, the juvenile population served, and the courts' program guidelines and practices. Identify gaps in services, geographically, by issue area, and juvenile population. Study the efficacy of each court through an analysis of recidivism rates and cost effectiveness and make recommendations regarding the best practices of juvenile specialty courts.
5.	Study and make recommendations regarding sentencing of youth under 18 accused of committing serious crimes.
6.	Study the value ladder of charges for theft and related offenses within the Texas Penal Code and recommend any necessary updates and proposed legislative reforms.
7.	Evaluate the approximately 1,500 non-traditional criminal offenses that can be found outside of the Penal Code. Study the feasibility of streamlining these offenses and examine ambiguities in the law. Analyze whether and to what extent some of these non-traditional criminal offenses should be eliminated.
Committee:	Senate Criminal Justice
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 81st Legislature
Subjects:	Capital murder trials | Child abuse | Correctional officers | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Deferred adjudication | Drug trafficking | Homicide | Juvenile justice system | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Methamphetamine | Occupational licenses | Ombudsmen | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Police officers | Prison population | Prison security | Prisoner re-entry | Privately-operated prisons | Pseudoephedrine | Recidivism | Searches and seizures | Sex offenders | Substance abuse | Texas Code of Criminal Procedure | Theft | Youth Commission, Texas | Youthful offenders |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 C868
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [113 pages  File size: 13,967 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Determine how private prisons are complying with state laws and how cost, safety, living conditions and rehabilitative services at private prisons compare with state-run facilities. Include an assessment of the staff turnover rates and compensation of private contractors when compared with state-operated facilities, and of the contract bidding processes used by the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
2.	Monitor the implementation of SB 103, 80th R.S., and the continuing reforms to the Texas Youth Commission and the juvenile criminal justice system. Identify barriers to effective implementation and provide recommendations to ensure that the goals of this legislation are achieved. Provide recommendations relating to best practices and identify needed additional treatment programs for juvenile sex offenders.
3.	Study the impact of laws designed to reduce illegal drug use and make recommendations for reducing access to illegal drugs and for developing best practices for preventative programs, focusing on drugs targeted for the younger population, such as cheese heroin. Assess the impact of limiting access to pseudoephedrine, including the impact restrictions have had on illegal manufacturers' methods for producing methamphetamine.
4.	Monitor the implementation of the new and expanded programs provided to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) within the Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 budget, and identify their impact on the criminal justice populations. Study security issues within TDCJ, including staffing issues, use of lock down procedures, the control and containment of infectious diseases and the introduction and control of contraband within the institutions. Review the use of career ladders for employees of TDCJ and issues surrounding the retention of professional corrections staff. Study the issues of independent oversight of TDCJ, including the use and effectiveness of the TDCJ ombudsman system. Provide recommendations for the reduction or elimination of barriers to an effective corrections system.
5.	Study and make recommendations for reducing the number of law enforcement officer deaths in the line of duty. This study should include: an assessment of the types of calls and assignments that put law enforcement officers most at risk; the geographic regions of the state that suffer the most deaths; the agencies experiencing the highest rate of deaths in the line of duty; the time in an officer's career, and the officer's age that he or she is most susceptible to death in the line of duty; and the times of year, month, and day that are most dangerous.
6.	Study the issue of criminal asset seizure and the use of seized and forfeiture funds by district attorneys and law enforcement agencies. Review the oversight of these matters by the Texas Attorney General and provide recommendations to improve the dissemination of information concerning these funds. Ensure that these funds have the appropriate accountability and fiscal controls required for public funds.
7.	Study the system of deferred adjudication in Texas courts and make recommendations for resolving any problems and reducing the potential for release of dangerous criminals.
8.	Study and recommend best practices for reducing re-victimization of child abuse victims associated with delay in resolution of criminal cases. Recommend options for reducing the time lapse between child victimization and criminal hearings.
9.	Review the processes for re-entry of criminal offenders into communities. Identify barriers to the successful return to law-abiding behavior, including the absence of employment opportunities created by restriction on obtaining certain state occupational licenses. Provide recommendations for improvements to our current statutes governing this matter.
10.	Study whether Articles 36.09 (relating to trying multiple defendants from the same transaction either separately or jointly) and 36.10 (relating to severing defendants that show prejudice from a joint trial) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure provide sufficient safeguards to ensure fair and reliable trial results in capital cases with multiple defendants. Determine whether the articles provide trial judges with sufficient instruction regarding joinder or severance of defendants and, if not, make recommendations to improve procedures.
11.	Study the relationship between the public mental health system and the criminal justice and civil courts systems, including the identification and sharing of information regarding mentally ill offenders, including minors, among criminal justice and mental health agencies, the courts, state hospitals, and the Veterans Administration. Study how current confidentiality laws impact the exchange of information among groups described above. Study the sentencing of mentally ill offenders compared to non-mentally ill offenders, including minors, and the affect that has on statewide prison capacity and on the health care provided to mentally ill offenders. (Joint Charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
12.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Criminal Justice Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on the implementation of SB 909, 80th R.S., the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Sunset legislation, including provisions relating to the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and monitor implementation of the new laws relating to copper theft (SB 1154, 80th R.S., HB 1766, 80th R.S., and HB 1767, 80th R.S.).
Committee:	Senate Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report : report to the 79th Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative dispute resolution | Courts | Criminally insane | Judge salaries | Judicial Retirement System of Texas | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 J979
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [99 pages  File size: 5,013 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the jurisdiction of all local and state courts, including civil and criminal justice courts. Make recommendations for changes to any court's jurisdiction to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the judicial system. Review and make recommendations relating to concurrent jurisdiction of county courts at law and district courts over eminent domain proceedings.
2.	Study judicial salaries, supplements, retirement, and benefit issues for sitting, visiting and retired judges.
3.	Study arbitration statutes, and the role of the American Arbitration Association. Specifically, the Committee shall make recommendations to improve and ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of arbitrators and arbitrations.
4.	Study insanity defense laws, specifically evaluating the impact of changing the defense of "not guilty by reason of insanity" to "guilty, but insane."
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Corrections, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternatives to incarceration | Correctional officer shortages | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug rehabilitation programs | Fines | Inmate health | Inmate rehabilitation | Inmates | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison reform | Probation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 c817
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [40 pages  File size: 255 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study community supervision caseloads, the effect of officer-to-offender ratios and the impact of caseload reductions on revocations and incarceration costs to the state.
2.	Study the quality and availability of residential facilities and the potential cost savings of enhanced residential sentencing alternatives to long-term incarceration.
3.	Review the fees assessed on adult offenders and their impacts on community supervision and parole. Consider offenders' abilities to pay supervision fees and any impact on revocations of parole.
4.	Study the delivery of healthcare within the Texas prison system, including the number and types of healthcare practitioners needed, the recruitment and retention of those practitioners, management of chronic diseases, and the use of telemedicine and other technologies.
5.	Actively monitor the agencies under the committee's oversight jurisdiction. Specifically monitor the implementation of staffing and training programs at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and their effects on the safety of both inmates and staff.
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Corrections, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1996 : report to the House of Representatives, 75th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Deferred adjudication | Inmate health | Managed care | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison labor | Probation | Telemedicine | Wackenhut Corrections Corporation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 c817
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [69 pages  File size: 3,420 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
2.	Study the prison industries program regarding private sector employment of inmates.
3.	Study the continuing implementation of the managed health care system within the prison system. Consider how tele-medicine networks developed for the prison system might benefit local citizens.
4.	Review the need for changes in sentencing practices, the revocation of probation and the use of deferred adjudication.
Committee:	House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	At-risk youth | Bail | Crime Victims' Compensation Fund | Elder abuse | Fraud | Gangs | Juries | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Mental health services | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | School safety | School violence | Senior citizens | Trial by jury | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.72 c868hj
Session:	72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version:	View report [74 pages  File size: 3,239 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the feasibility of developing and implementing a uniform method of reporting gang activity (crime reporting program). Study ways of suppressing gang activity (alternative programs, enhanced penalties, vertical proesecution, parental responsibility, etc.) Study methods to remove hard core gang members from the street (training developing job skills and placement, counseling, community activities). Develop definition of "gang member" to apply on a state-wide basis.
2.	Review and compare rules of the 36 County Bailbond Boards. Compare bail bonds and personal bonds as used in the counties; the rate of collection on forfeitures; the cost of forfeitures to the county; and the rearrest rates. make recommendations for improvements to both systems.
3.	Review the grand jury process. Consider the jury wheel system versus the jury commission.
4.	Study the prevalence of fraud perpetrated upon the elderly in the state. Make recommendations for prevention and protection.
5.	Study the impact of mental health care on the Texas Crime Victims Compensation fund.
6.	Monitor the Texas Punishment Standards Committee.
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 72nd Legislature : report of the Committee on Corrections, Texas House of Representatives, 71st Legislature.
Subjects:	Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug trafficking | Electronic monitoring of offenders | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison security | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 c868
Session:	71st R.S. (1989)
Online version:	View report [17 pages  File size: 701 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To study the implementation of electronic monitoring as a sentencing alternative.
2.	To study the use, sale and distribution of drugs within the Texas Department of Corrections.
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the Committee on Corrections, Texas House of Representatives, 71st Legislature : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 71st Legislature.
Subjects:	Adult Probation Commission | Alternatives to incarceration | Corrections, Texas Department of | County jails | Criminal justice | Electronic monitoring of offenders | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Probation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.70 c817
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View report [39 pages  File size: 1,538 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To study the development of reliable statistics involving the entire criminal justice system capable of tracking individuals throughout all local and state components of the system.
2.	To study shock probation and intensive supervision programs involving electronic monitoring.
3.	To study sentencing practices in Texas and the feasibility of uniform sentencing guidelines for felony offenses with consideration of sentencing factors on the population of TDC and local jails, and on the costs of confinement.
4.	To study areas for establishment of regional correctional facilities.
Committee:	House Sentencing and Recidivism, Select
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the House Select Committee on Sentencing and Recidivism, 70th Legislature : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 71st Legislature.
Subjects:	Adult Probation Commission | Alcoholism | Alternatives to incarceration | Corrections, Texas Department of | Crime victims | Criminal justice | Drug rehabilitation programs | Inmate rehabilitation | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison population | Probation | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number:	L1836.70 se59
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View report [32 pages  File size: 1,059 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Undertake a comprehensive study of state laws and procedures regarding sentencing and probation, the operation of correctional facilities, and parole and other supervised release.
2.	Examine how the various state agencies involved in alcoholism and substance abuse treatment are coordinating their efforts with the criminal justice system at the state and local level to reduce recidivism.
3.	Monitor implementation of provisions of the sunset renewal acts for the Texas Department of Corrections, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Adult Probation Commission
4.	Review current laws relating to sentencing and recommend a revised sentencing structure that takes into account prison and jail overcrowding and current and projected rates of recidivism.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Sentencing and Recidivism, Select
Title:	Interim report - Outline of revised system
Library Catalog Title:	Outline of revised Texas sentencing system.
Library Call Number:	L1836.70 se59o
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View document [56 pages  File size: 2,558 kb]
Committee:	House Law Enforcement
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the Committee on Law Enforcement, Texas House of Representatives, 70th Legislature : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 70th Legislature.
Subjects:	Correctional officer shortages | Correctional officers | Corrections, Texas Department of | Good-conduct time | Juvenile crime | Mentally disabled inmates | Mentally Retarded Offender Program | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison construction | Privately-operated prisons | Ruiz lawsuit | State employee turnover |
Library Call Number:	L1836.69 l41
Session:	69th R.S. (1985)
Online version:	View report [63 pages  File size: 2,201 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study alternative means of meeting the program needs of the mentally handicapped offenders incarcerated in Texas prisons in conjunction with the Criminal Justice Policy Council.
2.	Study the problem of morale and employee turnover at the Department of Corrections and the fiscal impact of this situation on the State.
3.	Conduct monthly monitoring of the Department of Corrections construction division including new construction and renovation contracts for Ruiz litigation; oversight of contract award process; identification and reporting of cost-overruns and inconsistencies in management reporting of projects.
4.	Study the feasibility of private corrections systems in meeting the criminal justice needs of Texas including an analysis of the financial incentives for private investors in relation to the legal liability for the State and an analysis of private corrections products for practicality and cost effectiveness, in conjunction with the Appropriations Committee.
5.	Study the impact of the Ruiz settlement on production and harvesting of Department of Corrections agriculture crops.
6.	Monitor the percentage of crime committed in Texas that is attributed to juveniles.
7.	Study the impact of flat time on the violence and work stoppage at the Department of Corrections in conjunction with the percentage of inmates serving flat time sentences.
Committee:	House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	To the Speaker and members, Texas House of Representatives, 69th Legislature: report / of the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, Texas House of Representatives, 68th Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternatives to incarceration | At-risk youth | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison population | Prison reform | Probation | Recidivism | Runaway children | Statutory revision | Texas Code of Criminal Procedure | Truancy | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.68 j979cr
Session:	68th R.S. (1983)
Online version:	View report [126 pages  File size: 3,747 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To oversee the expenditure of the $3 million appropriations to the Texas Education Agency earmarked for a program designed to keep trouble students, truants, etc. enrolled in a classroom situation. To follow the guidelines set up by TEA for the participating school districts.
2.	To track the prison reform measures and see how they are being implemented, To determine the benefits derived from these measures, both in terms of recidivism and in terms of monetary savings.
3.	To study the need/benefits of raising the jurisdictional age of TYC to age 21 from age 18 for certain instances when keeping the child past the age of 18 would be beneficial to child and/or society.
4.	To look into alternative programs for youths who have committed status crimes, i.e.. truancy, running away from home, etc. To find alternatives to sentencing in TYC facilities for property offenders, as well as some minor non-property offenders.
5.	To devise a policy to keep the Texas Penal Code standardized, so that specific crimes do not have separate forms of sentencing.
6.	Study the need to reform the charging instrument in Texas; consider whether the state should be allowed to prosecute crimes other than capital offenses on the basis of an information rather than an indictment issued by a grand jury. *
7.	Make recommendations regarding the non-substantive changes to the probation and parole laws currently found in Articles 42.12 and 42.13 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. *
Committee:	House Law Enforcement
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	To the Speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 69th Legislature : report / of the Committee on Law Enforcement, House of Representatives, State of Texas, 68th Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternatives to incarceration | Halfway houses | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Probation | Restorative justice | Rural issues |
Library Call Number:	L1836.68 l41
Session:	68th R.S. (1983)
Online version:	View report [56 pages  File size: 1,216 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To have oversight of the pre-parole program.
2.	To have oversight of the restitution center program.
3.	To monitor activities of the Board of Pardons and Paroles including rate of paroles and rate of releases under mandatory supervision.
4.	To study alternatives to the current system with respect to 15 and 16 year old juveniles who commit serious felonies.
5.	To study judicial sentencing and advisory sentencing guidelines.
6.	To study rural law enforcement problems.
7.	To study problems created for area residents in and around halfway houses which receive contractual monies from the budget of the Texas Department of Corrections and recommend.
Committee:	House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members, Texas House of Representatives, 68th Legislature : report of the / Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, 67th Legislature.
Subjects:	Appellate courts | Bail | Criminal appeals | Criminal justice | Illegal video recordings | Indigent criminal defense | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Privacy | Recidivism | Searches and seizures | State income taxes |
Library Call Number:	L1836.67 j979cr
Session:	67th R.S. (1981)
Online version:	View report [58 pages  File size: 1,900 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review federal and state wiretap statutes and court cases related to wiretapping and electronic surveillance to determine if pen registers, devices which record the numbers dialed by a particular telephone, are covered by the procedures, restrictions and safeguards of the state wire communications laws. *
2.	Compare Texas' statutes with those of other states to assess differences in programs and compensation for counsel appointed to defend indigents.
3.	Compare our penalty schedule, including the habitual criminal law, and our recidivism rates to those of other states to determine if any other penalty schedule tends to reduce recidivism more than our present penalty schedule.
4.	Consider whether the Courts of Appeals are able to effectively accomplish their constitutional and statutory duties in disposing of intermediate criminal appeals. Determine what resources are necessary to allow the Courts of Appeals to handle the larger load of criminal cases. *
5.	Make recommendations for clarifying the status of habeas corpus orders issued by Courts of Appeals. *
6.	Monitor the implementation of HB 360, 67th R.S..
7.	Monitor the implementation of SJR 36, 67th R.S., through the requirements set by SB 265, 67th R.S..
Committee:	Senate Penitentiary Investigating Committee
Title:	Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the Senate committee investigating the affairs of the Prison System of Texas under simple resolutions nos. 39 and 41 of the Senate, First called session of the Thirty-fourth Legislature.
Subjects:	Good-conduct time | Gubernatorial pardons | Huntsville Unit | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison farms | Prison labor | Prison officials | Prison population | Prison violence | Prisons | Rusk State Penitentiary |
Library Call Number:	L1836.34 P938
Session:	34th R.S. (1915)
Online version:	View report [23 pages]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Investigate business, financial, and commercial transactions of the Penitentiary system from January 1, 1913 to date.
Committee:	Joint Indeterminate Sentencing Law, Investigate
Title:	Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of Indeterminate Sentence Committee.
Subjects:	Executive clemency | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) |
Library Call Number:	S.J. of Tex., 33rd Leg., 1st C.S. 43 (1913)
Session:	33rd R.S. (1913)
Online version:	View report [11 pages  File size: 358 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Investigate which prisoners in the state's penitentaries could take advantage of the indeterminate sentencing law. *
Committee:	House Huntsville Penitentiary, Select
Title:	Report
Library Catalog Title:	[Report].
Subjects:	Correctional officers | Fiscal management | Huntsville Unit | Inmate rehabilitation | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison labor | Prison officials | Prisons |
Library Call Number:	H.J. of Tex., 12th Leg., R.S., 593 (1871)
Session:	12th 1st C.S. (1870)
Online version:	View report [10 pages]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	To proceed at once to Huntsville and fully examine into the financial operations, and all other matters pertaining to said institution, ... and that said committee are instructed to report changes necessary to remedy existing evils.

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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