MINUTES 
          
                  SENATE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE 
                            Monday, November 17, 1997 
                                     1:30 pm 
                         Capitol Extension, Room E1.012 
          
                                      ***** 
          
         Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule  
         11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Interim Committee on  
         Criminal Justice was held on Monday, November 17, 1997 in the  
         Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.   
          
                                      ***** 
          
         MEMBERS PRESENT:                        MEMBERS ABSENT: 
         Senator John Whitmire                   Senator Royce West 
         Senator Jane Nelson 
         Senator Bill Ratliff 
         Senator Florence Shapiro 
          
                                      ***** 
          
         The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm.  There being  
         a quorum present, the following business was transacted.   
          
         The following members arrived after the roll was called:   
         none. 
          
         Testimony was taken on Supplemental Charge 1:  Study the state  
         court system to evaluate whether criminal defendants'  
         competency and sanity is appropriately considered prior to the  
         entry of judgement, the assessment of punishment, and the  
         execution of capital punishment.  Make recommendations, if  
         necessary, to clarify the legal rights of mentally deficient  
         defendants while ensuring public safety. 
          
         Witnesses testifying and registering on the interim charge are  
         shown on the attached list.   
          
         There being no further business, at 3:35 pm Senator Whitmire  
         announced that the Committee stand recessed subject to the  
         call of the Chair.   
          
         ________________________                 
         _________________________ 
         Senator John Whitmire, Chair                 Cindy Hodges,  
         Clerk