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Rep.Rose, Toni
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TONI ROSE PASSES HOUSE LEGISLATION EXEMPTING PERSONS WITH A SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS FROM THE DEATH PENALTY
by: Rep. Rose, Toni
05/09/2019Austin, TX – Today, State Representative Toni Rose (110) passed historic bipartisan legislation in the Texas House of Representatives. House Bill 1936 creates an exemption to the death penalty for defendants suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of offense. If convicted, a defendant would face life in prison without parole. Passing with a vote of 77-67 in the House, HB 1936 will move to the Senate for consideration.
Medical research shows that individuals with intellectual disabilities and juveniles do not have the same mental capacity as fully-functioning adults. While the law currently forbids execution of these individuals, persons suffering from severe mental illness can still be executed. Severe mental illness significantly impairs one’s ability to control impulses, understand if their actions are morally wrong, or understand the consequences of their actions. Today’s House vote confirms that individuals with severe mental illness should be treated similarly to other protected groups.
"This bill fixes a system that fails to acknowledge the similarities between individuals suffering from severe mental illness and those with intellectual disabilities. Yes, this bill will save taxpayers up to $2 million per death penality case, but will more importantly serve to erase a glaring disparity in our collective understanding of mental health.”
Rep. Rose has worked as a mental health professional and served as a member of the House Select Committee on Mental Health. The bill received support from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas, National Association of Social Workers, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and the Texas Psychological Association.
Elected in 2012, Representative Toni Rose represents District 110, which includes parts of Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, Balch Springs, and Mesquite. Representative Rose serves on the Appropriations, Calendars, Human Services, and Redistricting Committees.
CONTACT: AISHA J. MCCLENDON
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