Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB44 by Nelson (Relating to the provision of intervention or counseling services to certain persons who have committed family violence and to a process for accrediting those services.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code by requiring on September 1, 2009, if a court, as a condition of community supervision, ordered a defendant convicted of an offense involving family violence to attend a battering intervention and prevention (BIP) program that program or provider serving as a referral option for the court would have to be accredited.the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)This bill mandates that after that date, a licensed counselor, social worker, or other professional who provided counseling sessions for the elimination of violent behavior would have to complete family violence intervention training that is approved by the community justice assistance division (CJAD) of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and consists of an initial forty hours of training and an annual twelve hours of continuing education approved CJAD.Moreover, the BIP program would have to meet the guidelines adopted by CJAD with the assistance of the statewide nonprofit organization that deals with family violence issues and any eligibility requirements adopted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has determined that the cost of implementing the bill would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.