H.B. 1042 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1042
By: Talton
Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Crime Victims Compensation Fund (CVCF) was established by the 66th
Legislature to provide financial assistance and support to the victims of
crime.  In 1997, Senate Bill 987 authorized the legislature to appropriate
funds from the CVCF to state agencies for "victim-related services".  The
term has become so broad and has gone to fund so many programs not
directed strictly towards crime victims that the CVCF is heading for
insolvency sometime between 2008 and 2011.  Prior to S.B. 987, the
attorney general was the sole controller of the fund's expenditures.  The
purpose of House Bill 1042 is to return control of all funds in the CVCF
solely to the attorney general who will grant funds only directly to
victim services.  This will ensure that the fund stays solvent and the
fund is used for its intended purpose. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1042 specifies that the legislature may direct excess funds
certified for the biennium to the attorney general from the compensation
to victims of crime fund.  It also directs the attorney general to use
these funds for victim-related services and assistance.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.