BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 210

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 affected by criminal conduct that caused bodily injury or death and the offender who committed the conduct. Interested observers explain that there are situations that are not appropriate for face-to-face mediation, and they are concerned that current law could be construed to require face-to-face mediation between victims and offenders. The observers contend that legislation is needed to ensure that appropriate mediation occurs in accordance with any policies adopted by the division. H.B. 210 seeks to give the victim services division the ability to address this issue.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 210 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to require the victim-offender mediation training and services offered by the victim services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to be provided in accordance with any policies adopted by the division.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.