by Dave Michaels
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry vetoed 19 bills Friday, including changes
to the state's probation system that the governor said would have endangered public safety by reducing supervision of some
criminals.
Mr. Perry's veto angered some lawmakers, who argue the bill would have
enhanced supervision of the worst criminals while lowering probation terms for only one class of felony offenders. The House
and Senate overwhelmingly approved the measure, while knowing that influential district attorneys opposed the changes.
Mr. Perry cited prosecutorial opposition in his veto proclamation, which
called the probation overhaul "a flawed piece of legislation."
Offenders convicted of kidnapping, injury to a child and other third-degree
felonies would have been eligible to leave probation after five years. If a judge did not release an eligible offender after
five years, the judge would have to review the case annually.
The maximum probation term will remain 10 years.
Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said Mr. Perry vetoed the bill for purely
political reasons – to appear tough on crime. Texas' expensive prison system is nearing full capacity and will require
additional space in two years.
"It was a huge mistake and will prevent us from being tougher on probationers
who need more supervision," said Mr. Whitmire, chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.
Other Perry vetoes included:
•A bill that would have required police officers to obtain written
permission from a driver before searching their vehicle. Mr. Perry said it was unclear if the new requirement would "place
too onerous a burden on law enforcement."
•A bill that would have required certain counties and cities to
hold elections to legalize mixed-drink sales at restaurants. Current law allows local residents to initiate elections by gathering
signatures for a petition. Mr. Perry said the new law would have deprived residents of local control.
