BILL ANALYSIS


                                                      C.S.H.B. 11
                                              By: Allen (Shapiro)
                                                 Criminal Justice
                                                          5-23-95
                            Senate Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND

Currently, Texas statute prohibits crime victims and their families
from being allowed to participate in the trial process.  Victims
often have no say regarding the outcome of the trial.  Some
prosecutors and parole panel members allow participation, but no
standard exists to be followed by all trial participants.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 11 sets forth uniform standards in applicable
statutes to allow victims to participate in certain criminal
proceedings, restitution for victims, and training for officers who
deal with victims; provides a penalty.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 8(f)(2), Article 42.18, Code of Criminal
Procedure, to require a parol panel to allow a victim, guardian of
a victim, close relative of a deceased victim, or a representative
of a victim or his guardian or close relative (affected party) to
provide a written statement and to appear in person before the
Board of Pardons and Paroles (board) members to present a statement
of the person's views about the offense, the defendant and the
effect of the offense on the victim.  Prohibits this subsection
from being construed to limit the number of persons who may provide
written statements for or against the release of the prisoner on
parole.

SECTION 2. Amends Article 56.08(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, to
require the attorney representing the state to give to each victim
of the offense a written notice containing, among other
information, notification of the right to receive information
regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by
Subchapter B of this chapter, rather than Article 8309.1, V.T.C.S.
(Crime Victims Compensation Act); and notification of the right of
an affected party as defined by Section 8(f)(2), Article 42.18 of
this code, to appear in person before a member of the board.  Makes
conforming changes.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.