Statement from Representative Senfronia Thompson on the passage on HB 1510 (84R)
“Housing stability has been identified as one of the most critical factors in preventing recidivism and parole violations. Not only should ex-offenders have the ability to safely transition to our communities, but landlords must not fear being sued because they are providing a home to someone with a criminal record. I was proud to have worked with the Texas Smart-On-Crime Coalition on the passage of House Bill 1510 to give landlords a peace of mind and ex-offenders a place to call home.
Together with the Smart-On-Crime Coalition, I will continue to fight for successful criminal justice reform to lessen the penalties on certain drug charges and to ensure that formerly incarcerated persons have an opportunity to find employment, housing, and appropriate physical and mental healthcare.”
Statement from Senator Konni Burton on the passage of HB 1396 (84R):
“Texas has over 1,700 criminal offenses, of which only a small fraction are found in the criminal code. The rest are scattered throughout bodies of law that have traditionally not been regulated by the criminal justice system, such as the health, environmental, and business codes.
Many of these laws criminalize ordinary business activities without even requiring the State to prove that the individual knew he or she was doing something illegal.
That is why I sponsored HB 1396, which, amongst other solid reforms, requires a commission to investigate all the criminal offenses outside the penal code to see if they are necessary to have on the books. I was happy to work with the Smart on Crime Coalition to assist in the passage of this important piece of legislation, which will help ensure that hard working Texans don’t get caught up in the criminal justice system for rule violations that could be handled effectively through civil and administrative fines.
I look forward to working with the Smart on Crime Coalition to implement the recommendations from this Committee in the 85th Legislature.”