Amend CSHB 2291 by striking everything below the enacting 
clause and substituting the following:
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 141, Human Resources Code, 
is amended by adding Section 141.055 to read as follows:
	Sec. 141.055.  STUDY OF VICTIM-OFFENDER MEDIATION PROGRAMS 
FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS; REPORT.  (a) The commission shall conduct a 
study of established victim-offender mediation programs for 
juvenile offenders in this state for the purpose of determining the 
potential effect on the state's juvenile justice system of 
establishing guidelines for and expanding the implementation of 
victim-offender mediation programs for juvenile offenders.  The 
study must evaluate:
		(1)  the methodology of established victim-offender 
mediation programs for juvenile offenders;
		(2)  any reduction in recidivism for juvenile offenders 
who have successfully completed victim-offender mediation 
programs;
		(3)  the success rates for the collection of 
restitution by juvenile probation departments and the fulfillment 
of restitution agreements by juvenile offenders; and
		(4)  typical costs and funding sources for 
victim-offender mediation programs for juvenile offenders.
	(b)  Before conducting the study, the commission shall:                 
		(1)  consult any relevant guidelines issued by the 
United States Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime; 
and
		(2)  seek assistance from leading experts on 
victim-offender mediation programs in establishing parameters, 
information collection techniques, and reasonable legal 
assumptions in evaluating victim-offender mediation programs for 
juvenile offenders.
	(c)  Experts from whom the commission may seek assistance 
under Subsection (b)(2) include:
		(1)  persons who have established and who currently 
operate victim-offender mediation programs;
		(2)  persons who direct national projects on 
victim-offender mediation; and
		(3)  professors of law or criminal justice who are 
employed by institutions of higher education, as defined by Section 
61.003, Education Code.
	(d)  Not later than July 1, 2008, the commission shall 
provide a report describing the results of the study to each member 
of the legislature. The report must include:
		(1)  the estimated cost to the state and local 
governments of expanding the implementation and administration of 
victim-offender mediation programs for juvenile offenders;
		(2)  a review of the benefits to juvenile offenders and 
victims of participating in victim-offender mediation programs for 
juvenile offenders; and
		(3)  any recommendations for legislation establishing 
guidelines for and expanding the implementation and administration 
of victim-offender mediation programs for juvenile offenders in 
this state.
	(e)  This section expires December 1, 2008.                             
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2007.