BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 330
By: Dear
03-31-95
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, a judge cannot refer a teenager to teen court without
collecting state court costs. This program is completely supported
by the city and school district with no costs to the state.

PURPOSE

This bill would exempt a defendant referred to teen court from
state court costs. This will make teenage offenders responsible for
their actions rather than assessing fines for their parents to pay,
and allows those unable to pay costs to benefit from the program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1.  Article 45.55, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended
by adding Subsection (g) to exempt a defendant who successfully
completes a teen court program from paying state court costs,
regardless of the defendant's sentence.

Section 2.  Makes this Act prospective.

Section 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

Section 4.  Emergency Clause. 

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment #1 simplifies and clarifies the intent of the
bill.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 330 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on 8
March 1995.

The following persons testified in favor of the bill:
     Randy Hinckley, representing Azle Teen Court;
     Marsha Hardin, representing Azle Teen Court;
     Sally Brace, representing Azle Teen Court.

The following person testified neutrally on the bill:
     Bonnie Sudderth, Chief Judge, Ft. Worth Municipal Court.

The bill was left pending in committee.

On 29 March 1995, the committee considered one (1) amendment which
was adopted without objection and reported the bill favorably as
amended with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed by
a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 4. absent.