SRC-TNM S.B. 159 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 159
By: Haywood
State Affairs
2-18-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, under the Code of Criminal Procedure, when a felon is arrested
under a state warrant, the county sheriff of the county in which the
warrant was issued is required by law to retrieve the fugitive.  If the
felon is within the State of Texas, the felon must be retrieved within 10
days of the arrest.  If the felon has fled the state, the felon must be
returned by the sheriff within 90 days.  With short notice and some
lengthy trips out of state, the sheriff may need to rely on air travel for
fugitive retrieval in order to meet requirements.  S.B. 159 authorizes
county law enforcement authorities to receive reduced airline fares while
engaged in certain official duties. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 159 sets forth provisions permitting county law
enforcement authorities to receive reduced airline fares while engaged in
certain official duties. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the General Services Commission under
SECTION 2 (Sec. 2171.055(e), Government Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 2171.055, Government Code, as
follows: 

 Sec. 2171.055. New heading: PARTICIPATION IN TRAVEL SERVICES CONTRACTS.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 2171.055, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(e), to authorize a sheriff who is transporting a state prisoner under a
felony warrant to participate in the General Services Commission's
(commission) contract for travel services in order to obtain reduced
airline fares for the sheriff and the prisoner.  Requires the commission
to adopt rules and make or amend contracts as necessary. 

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