Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2791 by Hodge (Relating to the use of substance abuse treatment facilities and other community corrections facilities for individuals referred for treatment as part of a drug court or similar program.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
The bill contains no provisions that authorize or require a change in the sanctions applicable to adults convicted of felony crimes. However, the bill does amend the Government Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow drug court judges to use community corrections facilities and Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities (SAFPF) for individuals not convicted of felony crimes. To the extent that drug court judges choose to use such facilities, the waiting period for openings in facilities would increase and the increase would impact criminal justice populations.