BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 534

By: Geren

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that emergency service dispatchers are often exposed to situations that could potentially lead to work-related mental health issues and should be eligible for the treatment court program available to certain public safety employees. H.B. 534 extends eligibility to participate in such a program to emergency service dispatchers.

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. 534 amends the Government Code to include an emergency service dispatcher of the state or a political subdivision of the state among the public safety employees who may qualify to participate in a public safety employees treatment court program.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.