Governor Abbott Vetoes HB 787 (87R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 787 as passed by the Eighty-Seventh Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
House Bill 787 seeks to encourage rehabilitation of criminal defendants, but in doing so would remove judicial discretion to set certain necessary conditions of probation on a case-by-case basis. Eliminating a judge’s ability to analyze and mandate suitable conditions for each individual case is detrimental to public safety. I have signed House Bill 385, which also amends community-supervision conditions and procedures to encourage more robust rehabilitation and prevent recidivism, but I cannot support legislation that eliminates judicial discretion in this way.
Since the Eighty-Seventh Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 18th day of June, 2021.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor of Texas