BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2031 By: Kubiak April 12, 1995 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The Buffalo Soldiers are an almost forgotten chapter of African-American history that is gradually being rediscovered. The importance of this heritage to Texans of African-American descent has been highlighted recently by the success of the efforts of a private contractor promoting Buffalo Soldier heritage at Fort McKavett, which is an original Buffalo Soldier fort in western Menard County, and the establishment of a one year pilot program in Washington County in 1993. Those programs serve as the basis for the concept of using Buffalo Soldier heritage as an intervention tool for certain children considered 'at-risk'. PURPOSE HB 2031 establishes a four year pilot program in four pilot counties to operate a Buffalo Soldier heritage program through the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC). The bill requires that the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission report to the 75th and 76th Legislatures on the effectiveness of the pilot program. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill gives rulemaking authority to the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission in SECTION 2(b)(1). SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. States that the intent of the Legislature is to slow the growth of juvenile crime by involving elements of government and private industry in the early lifestages of children considered "at risk". SECTION 2. Requires the TJPC to establish a Buffalo Soldier Heritage pilot program and to develop rules and a timetable for implementation of the program in Bexar, Dallas, Tom Green, and Washington counties. Provides for the establishment of an advisory council and the designation of a program officer in each county. Authorizes the TJPC to provide grants for the establishment of the program. Authorizes the TJPC to contract with colleges or universities to develop the curriculum for the pilot program and with private entities for the operation of the program. SECTION 3. Establishes January 1, 1996 as the deadline for establishing the pilot program. SECTION 4. Requires the TJPC to report to the governor and the 75th and 76th Legislatures on the effectiveness of the program. SECTION 5. Expiration date: September 1, 1996. SECTION 6. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION H.B. 2031 was considered in a public hearing on 5 April 1995. The following persons testified in favor of the bill: Dr. Allen Commander, representing himself; Eddie Harrison, representing himself; Lee N.Coffee Jr., representing himself; Guy R. Manning, Sr. representing himself; Daryl E. Peaks, representing himself. H.B. 2031 was reported favorably without amendment and with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed by a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv and 2 absent.