SRC-MWN H.B. 1287 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1287
77R9818 EBy: Thompson (Whitmire)
Criminal Justice
4/30/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The goal of drug court programs is to keep substance abuse offenders out of
state jails and prisons and offer comprehensive rehabilitative services.
According to some studies, the recidivism rate for drug court graduates is
lower than for offenders placed on parole or probation or in prison. H.B.
1287 authorizes the commissioners court of a county to establish drug court
programs.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the criminal justice division
of the office of the governor in SECTION 1 (Section 469.003, Health and
Safety Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Title 6(B), Health and Safety Code, by adding Chapter
469, as follows: 

CHAPTER 469. DRUG COURT PROGRAMS

 Sec. 469.001. DRUG COURT PROGRAM DEFINED. Defines "drug court program."

Sec. 469.002. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH PROGRAM. Sets forth provisions
regarding the establishment of a drug court program for persons convicted
of certain offenses. 

Sec. 469.003. PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND OVERSIGHT. Sets forth provisions
regarding drug court program guidelines and oversight criteria. Authorizes
the criminal justice division of the office of the governor to establish
rules for that purpose. 

Sec. 469.004. FEES. Authorizes a drug court program to collect certain fees
from a participant in a drug court program. 

Sec. 469.005. CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICY STUDY. Requires the Criminal Justice
Policy Council to conduct a study of certain issues and to issue the report
to certain persons not later than January 15, 2003. Provides that this
section expires on June 1, 2003. 

Sec. 469.006. COUNTY DRUG COURT PROGRAMS. Sets forth provisions requiring
the authorization of county drug court programs in certain large counties. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.