BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2945

By: Alonzo

Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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. Interested parties note ways in which a fund balance could be used more effectively, such as purchasing tools that benefit at-risk juveniles and their families; purchasing materials that aid in the prevention of drug, alcohol, or tobacco abuse; and providing educational opportunities aimed at abating risky behaviors. Preventative programs and services offered throughout the community will help discourage behavior that juvenile case managers combat on a daily basis. These programs also align with the overall mission of a juvenile case manager, which includes resolving substance abuse issues and preventing recidivism.
C.S.H.B. 2945 seeks to address these issues.

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

C.S.H.B. 2945 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize a juvenile case manager, if there is money in a juvenile case manager fund after certain necessary expenses relating to the position of a juvenile case manager are paid and 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 2945 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

INTRODUCED	HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1.  Article 102.0174(g), Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows: (g)  A fund created under this section may be 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.  If there is money in the fund after those costs are paid, a juvenile case manager may direct the remaining money to be used for educational programs, including juvenile alcohol and substance abuse programs and other projects designed to prevent or reduce the incidence of delinquent conduct and conduct indicating a need for supervision.  The fund may not be used to supplement the income of an employee whose primary role is not that of a juvenile case manager.	SECTION 1.  Article 102.0174(g), Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows: (g)  A fund created under this section may be 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.  If there is money in the fund after those costs are paid, on approval by the employing court, a juvenile case manager may 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.  The fund may not be used to supplement the income of an employee whose primary role is not that of a juvenile case manager.
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, 2015.	SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.