AUSTIN – The ever-growing breadth and depth of the criminal law and administrative laws with criminal penalties results in the average American unknowingly committing an estimated three or more felonies each day. To highlight some of the successes pushing back against overcriminalization and illustrate the ground to be gained for further reform, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice will host the panel “Three Felonies a Day: How Everyday Behavior Affects Everyday People” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Wedensday, January 6, 2016 at 1:30 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Salon K.
"There are over 5,000 federal criminal offenses and over 300,000 federal regulatory criminal offenses,” said Greg Glod, policy analyst with the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “Many of which do not require the individual to even know what they did was illegal. Texas is not immune from this phenomenon. However, the Lone Star has made great strides in reducing the damage of overcriminalization. The federal government is now following the lead of states like Texas by introducing legislation that would require a guilty state of mind for offenses that are currently silent on the issue. This will prevent ordinary citizens from being caught victim to our vague and over broad penal code."
Panelists include:
- Representative Matt Krause, Texas House of Representatives
- Shannon Edmonds, Director of Governmental Relations, Texas District and County Attorneys Association
- Bill Kuntz, Executive Director, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Matt Miller, Managing Attorney, Texas Office, Institute for Justice
- Greg Glod, Policy Analyst, Center for Effective Justice & Right on Crime, Texas Public Policy Foundation (Moderator)
For over thirteen years, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Policy Orientation has been one of the nation’s top policy conferences, selling out each year while bringing together lawmakers, policy experts, and engaged citizens from across the political spectrum to discuss critical issues facing the Lone Star State and America. This year’s program includes more than 35 panel discussions and debates on the major issues affecting Texas’ future.
Members of the public and media who wish to attend may register and view the agenda at: www.PolicyOrientation.com
Greg Glod is a policy analyst with the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas.