BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2544

By: Rose

Corrections

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The victim services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offers mediation services between certain persons impacted by an offender's criminal conduct. Some observers are concerned that current law could be construed to require face-to-face mediation between parties, which may not be appropriate in every situation. H.B. 2544 seeks to ensure that mediation is a positive experience for all parties.

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

H.B. 2544 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, in a provision requiring the victim services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to train volunteers to act as mediators and provide mediation services through referral of a trained volunteer, to require that training and the provision of those services be in accordance with any policies adopted by the division.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.