BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3606
87R12355 MCF-D	By: Leach; Rodriguez (Bettencourt)
	Criminal Justice
	5/17/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

There is currently no explicit requirement that mandates the adoption of a policy by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide vocational training on a volunteer basis to inmates confined in a transfer facility.

H.B. 3606 requires TDCJ to adopt a policy under which a representative of either a public or private entity may provide vocational training on a voluntary basis to inmates confined in a transfer facility. The intention of this bill is to provide inmates with skills that will give them work opportunities following incarceration, which will reduce the rates of recidivism in the state of Texas.

H.B. 3606 amends current law relating to the provision of vocational training to inmates confined in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice transfer facility.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 499, Government Code, by adding Section 499.156, as follows:

Sec. 499.156.  VOCATIONAL TRAINING.� Requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to adopt a policy under which a representative of a public or private entity, including a public or private institution of higher education, is authorized to provide vocational training on a voluntary basis to inmates confined in a transfer facility authorized under Subchapter G (Transfer Facilities).

SECTION 2. Requires TDCJ, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt the policy required by Section 499.156, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2021.