SRC-HRD S.B. 1185 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1185
By: Ellis
Education
4-13-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, there are concerns that young people in the State of Texas are
confronted by numerous temptations and risks rooted in crime, violence,
gangs, and drug activities.  Despite the positive effects of legislation
passed by the 74th Legislature, some communities continue to struggle with
juvenile crime and deliquency.  Many professionals in the area of juvenile
delinquency believe that prevention plays a vital role in combating
juvenile crime. 

This bill would establish a center for the study and prevention of
juvenile crime and deliquency at Prairie View A&M University.  The center
would conduct, coordinate, collect, and evaluate research in all areas
relating to juvenile crime and deliquency, and serve as a state and
national resource for information on juvenile crime and deliquency.  In
addition, this bill would enable the center to create partnerships and
other programs to assist communities, governmental agencies, or private
entities in addressing juvenile crime and delinquency and related social
problems.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1185 establishes the Center for the Study and Prevention
of Juvenile Crime and Delinquency at Prairie View A&M University. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 87B, Education Code, by adding Section 87.105,
as follows: 

Sec. 87.105.  CENTER FOR THE STUDY AND PREVENTION OF JUVENILE CRIME AND
DELINQUENCY.  Establishes the Center for the Study and Prevention of
Juvenile Crime and Delinquency at Prairie View A&M University (center).
Provides that the organization, control, and management of the center is
vested in the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System (board
of regents).  Requires the board of regents to approve the employment of
personnel by and the operating budget of the center.  Provides that an
employee of the center is an employee of Prairie View A&M University.
Authorizes the center to perform certain functions related to the study of
juvenile crime and delinquency. Authorizes the center to enter into a
cooperative agreement or contract with a public or private entity to
perform the duties of the center.  Authorizes the board of regents to
accept gifts and grants from a public or private source for the benefit of
the center. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.