SRC-HRD H.B. 3101 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3101
By: Jones (Carona)
Jurisprudence
5-13-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

While serving a prison sentence, inmates are often unable to provide their
families with the basic needs.  As a result, the state may be called upon
to serve those needs through financial assistance and service programs
administered through Chapter 31, Human Resources Code. Currently, Section  
501.014(e) of the Government Code permits a court to order the
institutional division of the Department of Criminal Justice to withdraw
money from an inmate's trust fund to pay for child support, restitution,
fines and court costs.  
         
H.B. 3101 would amend Section 501.014 of the Government Code to allow a
court to require the withdrawal of money from an inmate's trust fund
account to reimburse the Texas Department of Human Services for financial
assistance provided under Chapter 31 of the Human Resource Code to a child
of the inmate.
    
PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3101 amends Section 501.014 of the Government Code to
allow a  court to require the withdrawal of money from an inmate's trust
fund account to reimburse the Texas Department of Human Services for
financial assistance provided under Chapter 31 of the Human Resource Code
to a child of the inmate.
      
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 501.014(e), Government Code, to require, upon
notification by a court, the institutional division of the Department of
Criminal Justice to withdraw from an inmate's trust any amount the inmate
is ordered to apply by order of the court for child support, restitution,
reimbursement for financial assistance provided for the child's health
needs under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, to a child of the inmate,
fines, and court costs.  Sets forth the schedule of priorities regarding
withdrawals and payments from an inmate's trust fund.  Makes conforming
changes. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.