Sec. 509.018. FAMILY VIOLENCE PRETRIAL DIVERSION PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "family violence" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.004, Family Code.

(b) To reduce rates of family violence recidivism, the division shall collaborate with judges in Bexar County who have jurisdiction over cases involving family violence to establish a family violence pretrial diversion pilot program for individuals who are charged with an offense involving family violence and who suffer from a substance abuse disorder or chemical dependency.

(c) The pretrial diversion pilot program developed under this section shall include:

(1) assessment instruments to accurately analyze the needs of pilot program participants;

(2) a comprehensive substance abuse disorder and chemical dependency treatment program that includes case managers, clinicians, peer mentors, or recovery coaches;

(3) in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, a procedure to rapidly respond to pilot program participants who fail to comply with pilot program requirements, including, when appropriate, immediate removal from the pilot program; and

(4) the use of a video teleconferencing system in court to facilitate the cooperation of witnesses in the criminal justice system and to reduce costs associated with transporting defendants.

(d) The division shall review the pilot program established under this section and submit a report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislature not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year. The report must include:

(1) a summary of the status and results of the pilot program;

(2) an analysis of the effectiveness of the pilot program in reducing the rate of family violence recidivism among individuals charged with an offense involving family violence and suffering from a substance abuse disorder or chemical dependency;

(3) sources of funding available to extend the pilot program to other counties or for a longer period of time, including available local, state, and federal funding sources; and

(4) any legislative or other recommendations.

(e) This section expires September 1, 2023.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3529), Sec. 1, eff. June 10, 2019.