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.