BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 1695
                                            By: Turner (Montford)
                                                 Criminal Justice
                                                          5- 3-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Currently, the Texas Youth Commission does not have the authority
to engage in fire prevention, protection, or suppression
activities.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1695 authorizes the Texas Youth Commission to
perform fire protection, fire prevention, and fire suppression
activities at or near its facilities.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 61C, Human Resources Code, by adding
Section 61.050, as follows:

     Sec. 61.050.  FIRE PROTECTION ACTIVITIES.  (a)  Authorizes the
     Texas Youth Commission (commission) to perform fire
     protection, fire prevention, and fire suppression activities
     at commission facilities.
     
     (b)  Authorizes the commission to prescribe circumstances
       under which, for the benefit of the public safety and
       welfare, commission employees using commission equipment may
       assist municipal or volunteer fire departments in the
       performance of fire protection, fire prevention, or fire
       suppressive activities near commission facilities.
       
SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.