BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 243 By: Shapiro (Denny) 05-02-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Anti-violence and peer mediation programs are preventive curricula that teach children non-violent methods of conflict resolution. Currently, the Texas Youth Commission does not require these programs for juveniles with proven behavior problems. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 243 requires the Texas Youth Commission to provide education in violence prevention and conflict resolution. 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 Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 61.047, to require the Texas Youth Commission to provide education in violence prevention and conflict resolution that includes discussion of domestic violence and child abuse issues to all children in its custody. SECTION 2. Effective date: January 1, 1996. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION S.B. 243 was considered by the Committee on Corrections in a public hearing on May 2, 1995. The Chair recognized Representative Denny to explain the bill. The Chair recognized the following person to testify in favor of the bill: Georgie Rasco, representing the Texas Council on Family Violence. The bill was reported favorably, without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 2 absent.