Texas HB743 prohibits confinement for failure to pay fines or for contempt, affecting justice and municipal courts.

Texas HB743 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to prohibit justice or municipal courts from ordering confinement for failure to pay fines or for contempt. Specifically, it prevents confinement for failure to pay fines or costs for offenses punishable by fine only and for contempt of a judgment for such offenses. The bill also prohibits municipalities from enforcing fines through confinement. It mandates the release of individuals currently in jail for these reasons and sets the punishment for contempt at a fine of up to $100 or up to three days in jail, or both.

Texas HB743 prohibits confinement for failure to pay fines or for contempt, affecting justice and municipal courts.

Texas HB743 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to prohibit justice or municipal courts from ordering confinement for failure to pay fines or for contempt. Specifically, it prevents confinement for failure to pay fines or costs for offenses punishable by fine only and for contempt of a judgment for such offenses. The bill also prohibits municipalities from enforcing fines through confinement. It mandates the release of individuals currently in jail for these reasons and sets the punishment for contempt at a fine of up to $100 or up to three days in jail, or both.