SRC-JFA H.B. 2825 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2825
By: Place (Patterson)
Criminal Justice
5-7-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) possesses
statutory authority to contract with certain entities to perform highway
maintenance work.  The legislature has authorized the creation of
community supervision and corrections departments (CSCDs) as a means for
individuals placed on community supervision by a district judge to pay for
their debts in the form of community service.  TxDOT has expressed
interest in contracting with a CSCD and/or a county sheriff's department
for the performance of highway maintenance work by probationers and/or
inmates.  TxDOT has the authority to utilize inmate labor from the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice; but does not have the authority to utilize
probationer or inmate labor from a CSCD or a sheriff's department
operating a county farm or workhouse or a county correctional center
program for the performance of highway maintenance.  This bill would
authorize the Texas Transportation Commission to contract with a CSCD or a
sheriff's department operating a county farm or workhouse or a county
correctional center program for the provision of inmate or probationer
labor for a state highways system improvement project.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2825 authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission and
a criminal justice agency to contract for the provision of inmate or
probationer labor for a state highway system improvement project; defines
"criminal justice agency." 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 223.004, Transportation Code, as follows: 

Sec. 223.044.  New heading:  INMATE OR PROBATIONER LABOR FOR IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS.  Authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) and
a criminal justice agency to contract for the provision of inmate or
probationer labor for a state highway system improvement project.  Deletes
text authorizing the commission to contract with the Texas Board of
Criminal Justice for the provision of inmate or probationer labor.
Defines "criminal justice agency."   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.