BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 4
By: Montford (Junell)
February 24, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

At the direction of state leaders, the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice (TDCJ) initiated two emergency expansion programs in
calendar year 1994 aimed primarily at relieving overcrowded
conditions in county jails.  The first project, which began last
January, seeks to add more than 15,000 emergency beds to the
system.  The second project was a joint effort between TDCJ and
county governments across the state that culminated in an
additional 7,900 temporary beds.  The TDCJ also expanded the size
of a Dallas County state jail project pursuant to a request from
the legislative leadership.

The TDCJ was directed to use existing appropriations on the
emergency projects with the understanding that additional funds for
construction and operations would be made available at a later
date.  The TDCJ has already received the necessary operating funds
through a series of budget executions authorized by the Legislative
Budget Board.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 4 requires the issuance of general obligation
bonds to raise revenue for building new corrections institutions.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Requires the Texas Public Finance Authority to issue
$236.4 million in bonds and distribute the proceeds for the
purposes specified in the emergency appropriation for the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) from the unissued balance of
general obligation bonds.

SECTION 2. (a)  Defines "current General Appropriations Act."

     (b)  Provides that the sum of $236.4 million is appropriated
     to the TDCJ, for a specified time period, for the payment of
     expenses incurred in acquiring, constructing, or equipping new
     corrections institutions.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date:  Upon passage.
     

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 4 was considered in a public hearing before the full committee
on February 27, 1995.  The Chair laid out S.B. 4.  No one testified
for, on, or against the bill.  The Chair moved to favorably report
the bill to the Committee on Calendars.  The bill was reported
favorably to the Committee on Calendars with the recommendation
that it do pass, by a vote of 18 aye, 0 nay, 0 PNV, and 9 absent.