BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 592 By: Greenberg (Whitmire) Criminal Justice 5-3-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Community Justice Councils were created in 1991. These councils develop local community justice plans for expanded community corrections programming. A task force of appointed officials provides continuing policy guidance and direction to the elected officials of the council in the development of community justice plans and community corrections facilities and programs. Currently, the task force membership does not include a representative dedicated specifically to the rights of victims' advocacy. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 592 includes, among persons appointed by the community justice council, an advocate for rights of victims of crime and awareness of issues affecting victims. 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 3(b), Article 42.131, Code of Criminal Procedure, to include among the persons appointed by the community justice council, an advocate for rights of victims of crime and awareness of issues affecting victims, on the community justice task force which is to provide support staff for the development of a community justice plan. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.