New coalition wants to reform sentencing for nonviolent offenders
A new coalition is outlining major juvenile and criminal justice reform they want to see in the next legislative session. ‘Texans Smart-on-Crime Coalition’ is looking to change state laws that criminalize nonviolent crimes, and get those people back to work.
[2015 Session] Provide Property Owners Relief from Graffiti Through Cost-Effective Programming with Cleanup Services, and Reduce Graffiti Penalties to Lower Local Expenses
Policy Background:
Despite the belief that graffiti is typically associated with gangs, only a small portion of all graffiti is done by gang members. Most graffiti is caused by the common “tagger,” someone who marks easily accessible locations, sometimes repeatedly.
[2015 Session] Allow Cross-Jurisdictional Supervision by Veterans Court Judges, Expand Potential Participation in Veterans Courts to Veterans Without Combat Experience, and Allow for Record Expungement Upon Successful Completion of Programming
Policy Background:
Veterans Courts are treatment courts for a targeted population whose common experiences – particularly related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury – lend themselves to common courses of specialized treatment.
[2015 Session] Take a Major Step Towards Preventing Drug Overdoses Through a “Good Samaritan” Policy
Policy Background:
Deaths by preventable overdose continue to rise, with middle-aged Americans and young adults most impacted by the overdose crisis. Many individuals who experience or witness an overdose are hesitant to call 9-1-1, fearing police involvement.