85R12612 JSC-D
By: Garcia S.B. No. 1195
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to studies and reports on the prosecution of criminal
cases involving abusable synthetic substances.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. STUDY. (a) In this section:
(1) "Abusable synthetic substance" has the meaning
assigned by Section 484.001, Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Department" means the Department of Public
Safety.
(b) The department shall conduct a study regarding the
prosecution of criminal cases involving abusable synthetic
substances.
(c) The study under this section must address:
(1) best practices in the prosecution of criminal
cases involving abusable synthetic substances; and
(2) the necessity of and funding for expert witnesses
in investigations and prosecutions of criminal cases involving
abusable synthetic substances.
(d) The department shall compile a report of the results of
the study, including any legislative recommendations, and submit
the report to the legislature not later than January 1, 2019.
SECTION 2. JOINT INTERIM COMMITTEE. (a) In this section,
"abusable synthetic substance" has the meaning assigned by Section
484.001, Health and Safety Code.
(b) A joint interim committee is created to study, review,
and report on the prosecution of criminal cases involving abusable
synthetic substances.
(c) The joint interim committee shall be composed of three
senators appointed by the lieutenant governor and three members of
the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house
of representatives.
(d) The lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of
representatives shall each designate a co-chair from among the
joint interim committee members.
(e) The joint interim committee shall convene at the joint
call of the co-chairs.
(f) The joint interim committee has all other powers and
duties provided to a special or select committee by the rules of the
senate and house of representatives, by Subchapter B, Chapter 301,
Government Code, and by policies of the senate and house committees
on administration.
(g) The joint interim committee shall evaluate:
(1) the cost and efficacy of various methods to
analyze abusable synthetic substances and test persons for the use
of abusable synthetic substances;
(2) public outreach and marketing campaigns that have
the potential to reduce use of abusable synthetic substances; and
(3) the availability and cost of appropriate treatment
for individuals who use abusable synthetic substances.
(h) The joint interim committee shall prepare a report of
the findings of the committee that includes any proposed reforms.
The committee shall submit the report to the legislature not later
than January 1, 2019.
(i) Not later than the 60th day after the effective date of
this Act, the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of
representatives shall appoint the members of the joint interim
committee in accordance with this section.
(j) The joint interim committee created under this section
is abolished January 2, 2019.
SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 2, 2019.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2017.