BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 809
By: Williamson
04-18-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The 70th legislature enacted in 1987, a Local Crime Stoppers
Program. " Local Crime Stoppers Program" means the acceptance and
spending of fee's collected from criminal cases, and donations by
a private nonprofit organizations for rewards to persons who report
information concerning criminal activity to the organization. The
organization then forwards the information to the appropriate law
enforcement agency. These funds are committed for "rewards only",
and may not be allowed for any other expenditure. A "Local Crime
Stoppers Program" must submit 
an application to the "Governors' Crime Policy Council" to qualify
for approval of funds.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this legislation is to allow a certified "Local
Crime Stoppers Program" to use up to (but not more than) 10(ten)
percent of money received to pay for administrative costs
associated with conducting this 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. Amends the purpose of funds in Sec. 414.010 of
Government Code to allow not more than 10(ten) percent of money
annually received to pay costs incurred in administering the
program and must use the remainder of the money only to reward
persons who report information concerning criminal activity. 

SECTION 2. Amends the purpose of funds in Sec. 414.011 of
Government Code to allow not more than 10(ten) percent of money
annually received to pay costs incurred in administering the
program and must use the remainder of the money only to reward
persons who report information concerning criminal activity that
leads to a defendant being indicted for or charged by information
with a felony offense.

SECTION 3. Sets effective date of act as September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 809 was considered by the Committee on Public Safety in a
public hearing on March 28, 1995.  

The following person testified for the bill:
     David Kobos, representing himself.

The bill was reported favorably, with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed, by a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 3
absent.