RESOLUTION ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 172

By: Cook

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Observers note that many states provide the ability to adjust the sentence of an individual serving a term of imprisonment in the interest of justice. Unfortunately, Texas lacks certain tools intended to remedy circumstances under which information comes to light that a sentence is not serving the interest of justice. H.J.R. 172 seeks to address this issue by allowing the legislature, by general law, to provide for a court to grant a commutation of punishment to certain individuals serving a term of imprisonment.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 172 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to authorize the legislature to provide by general law for a court to grant a commutation of punishment to certain individuals serving a term of imprisonment.

ELECTION DATE

The constitutional amendment proposed by this joint resolution will be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023.