I want to highlight Christy Hoppe's, At a Glance," in today's Dallas Morning New updating criminal justice reform measures before the Texas Legislature.
APPROVED BY THE SENATE
Exoneree benefits: Would give those wrongfully convicted and imprisoned access to a health insurance plan through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Would also require that attorneys charge fees based on a reasonable hourly rate. Would modify the law so that exonerees denied compensation based on technicalities receive payment as long as they are shown to be innocent. Awaiting House approval.
Eyewitness identification: Would adopt uniform standards and guidelines to streamline eyewitness and live lineup procedures for police departments across the state. Sent to the governor for his signature.
Post-conviction DNA testing: Ensures that if there is DNA evidence available that might prove innocence, it can be tested. Under the existing law, post-conviction DNA testing is not often performed if the DNA was available but not tested at trial. The evidence could also be tested again and subjected to newer techniques that could lead to a more accurate result. Awaits approval by the House.
STILL ALIVE
Forensic Science Commission: Would expand the panel’s authority by allowing it to investigate any field of forensic science with accredited and nonaccredited labs. Would also give appointment power only to the governor, reduce the number of commissioners and cut public access to all investigation materials. The bill has passed the Senate and needs approval from the House.
NOT LIKELY TO PASS
Recorded interrogations: Would require investigating departments to record interrogations in cases of serious violent crimes.
Innocence Commission: Would create a state panel to investigate the exoneration cases and study reasons for wrongful convictions and make recommendations.
Habeas corpus: Would allow those in prison to file habeas writs — the legal path to exoneration — when new scientific evidence is available, even if they have filed them before.
Earlier coverage of the Texas Legislature begins at the link.
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