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.