Bill > HB2247

This bill creates a new Family Violence Court Program in Texas that allows county commissioners courts to establish specialized court programs for individuals arrested for, charged with, or convicted of misdemeanor family violence offenses. The program has nine key characteristics, including integrating educational and rehabilitative services, prioritizing victim safety, using a collaborative approach between prosecutors and defense attorneys, and providing ongoing judicial monitoring. Eligible participants who successfully complete the program can have their case dismissed and receive an order of nondisclosure of their criminal history, but this only applies to individuals who have not previously been convicted of certain serious offenses and do not commit additional family violence offenses within two years of program completion. The bill also allows the program to collect a reimbursement fee from participants of up to $1,000, which must be based on the participant's ability to pay and used specifically for program purposes. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of "specialty courts" to include this new Family Violence Court Program and expands the Specialty Courts Advisory Council's responsibilities to evaluate and make recommendations for these programs. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2247