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.