AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law restricts the uses for which a juvenile case manager fund may be used to finance the salary, benefits, training, travel expenses, office supplies, and other necessary expenses relating to the position of a juvenile case manager. While cities and counties currently use the majority of money in such a fund in accordance with the law, a fund balance often remains after the restricted expenditures are paid.
Unexpended fund balances could be used to further assist at-risk juveniles. H.B. 2945 will allow remaining funds to be used on programs and services that align with the overall mission of a juvenile case manager, which includes resolving substance abuse issues and preventing recidivism.
Preventative programs and services offered throughout the community will help discourage behavior that juvenile case managers combat on a daily basis.
H.B. 2945 amends current law relating to the use of the juvenile case manager fund.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Article 102.0174(g), Code of Criminal Procedure, as follows:
(g) Authorizes a fund created under this section to be used to, rather than used only to, finance the salary, benefits, training, travel expenses, office supplies, and other necessary expenses relating to the position of a juvenile case manager employed under Article 45.056 (Juvenile Case Managers). Authorizes a juvenile case manager, if there is money in the fund after those costs are paid, on approval by the employing court, to direct the remaining money to be used to implement programs directly related to the duties of the juvenile case manager, including juvenile alcohol and substance abuse programs, educational and leadership programs, and any other projects designed to prevent or reduce the number of juvenile referrals to the court. Makes no further change to this subsection.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.