Editorial
Gov. Rick Perry tried to guide lawmakers toward an acceptable approach
to probation reform, but they didn't listen.
As a result, Perry vetoed House Bill 2193, which would have reduced the
maximum probation period for some felonies from 10 years to five years.
As Perry noted in his veto message, those felonies included assault of
a police officer, taking a weapon from a police officer, kidnapping and injury to a child.
Prosecutors were understandably opposed to the legislation.
The reforms were designed to reduce the number of felons who are sent
back to the state's overcrowded prisons and give probation officers more time to concentrate on keeping the most serious criminals
from returning to their former unlawful ways.
The intentions were good, but the results were bad.
Perry, who noted that the appropriations bill passed by lawmakers included
$55 million in new money for additional probation officers, made the right call when he vetoed this lousy legislation.
