Texas Governor Greg Abbott called upon Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan to focus on legislation that would increase the penalties for parolees if they cut their ankle monitor. 

In October and November, 2 men both under parole and ankle monitors committed murder during their parole. One of them, Nestor Hernandez, shot and killed two people at Methodist Dallas Hospital. The other, Zeric Jackson, shot and killed a man in a Lake Highlands apartment complex. Both men were on parole and had kept violating different conditions of their parole prior before the murders.

Back in December, Governor Abbott asked both The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to investigate any lapses in the parole system for these two men. Additionally, both agencies were to identify any administrative and legislative actions that need to take place. Both agencies wrote to the Governor, stating that they had reviewed the Dallas Parole Offices, conducted a statewide review, and taken steps to ensure personnel was following policies. 

“In summary, the Board of Pardons and Paroles determined that discretionary actions taken by their parole panel in determining release and addressing violations were consistent with their respective board rules, policies, and statutory authority,” wrote Governor Abbott.

The two agencies recommended legislative actions to increase the penalty for a parole violation, such as cutting off an ankle monitor.

According to both agencies, “An area of consideration for the Legislature is the consequences associated with the cutting off an ankle monitor. The act is currently treated as an administrative violation and causes the immediate issuance of an arrest warrant. However, it is not a criminal offense. Enhancing the penalties may act as a deterrent and dissuade those already on heightened supervision from attempting to evade supervision,” said the report. “Legislation requiring law enforcement to prioritize the arrest and apprehension of Super Intensive Supervision Program clients for which a warrant has been issued would be beneficial. This action may expedite the arrest and assist in preventing law violations by these offenders.”