BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2796
By: Brady
5-3-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND


Families face hardships as a result of a death or disability caused
by a criminal resulting from the commission of a violent crime. 
Victims of violent crimes are often never able to regain the
financial stability they held prior to the offense, and dependent
children are left with a diminished standard of living.

PURPOSE

House Bill 2796 allows the court to order a convicted criminal to
pay child support to the victim's minor children.

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 Section (b)(3), Article 42.037, Code of
Criminal Procedures, by requiring the defendant to pay child
support to the children of the victim.

SECTION 2.  Effective Date.  Act takes effect September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3.  Emergency Clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 2796 was considered by the full committee in a public hearing on
May 1, 1995.  The following person testified in favor of the bill:

     Gregory Watson, representing himself.

The bill was left pending in committee.  HB 2796 was considered by
the full committee in a public hearing on May 3, 1995.  HB 2796 was
reported favorably without amendment with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and
Consent Calendars by a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 4
absent.