BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2031 By: Kubiak (West, R.) Jurisprudence 5-26-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The importance of the Buffalo Soldiers 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. These programs serve as the basis for the concept of using Buffalo Soldier Heritage as an intervention tool for certain children considered to be at-risk. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2031 requires the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to establish a Buffalo Soldier Heritage pilot program in Bexar, Dallas, Tarrant, Tom Green and Washington counties. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission under SECTION 2(b)(1) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. PURPOSE. Sets forth the purpose of this Act relating to involving elements of government and private industry in the lives of at-risk children to impact the growth of juvenile crime. SECTION 2. PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Requires the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) to establish a Buffalo Soldier Heritage pilot program (program) in Bexar, Dallas, Tarrant, Tom Green, and Washington counties using the Washington County program as a guide to enable at-risk children develop personal skills. (b) Requires the TJPC in implementing the program to adopt rules and establish a timetable to implement the program, assist in establishing an advisory council for each county, designate a program officer for the county, provide grants to a group to establish the program, and contract for curriculum development with colleges and universities having experience in minority issues. SECTION 3. DEADLINE. Requires the TJPC to establish the program by January 1, 1996. SECTION 4. REPORT. Requires the TJPC to submit to the governor and the 75th and 76th legislatures an initial report concerning the effectiveness of the program. SECTION 5. EXPIRATION DATE. Provides that this Act expires September 1, 1999. SECTION 6. Emergency clause.