Amend SB 371 as follows:
      (1)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, immediately after proposed
Section 501.148, Government Code (page 10, line 26, Senate
Engrossment), add new Sections 501.149 and 501.1491, Government
Code, to read as follows:
      Sec. 501.149.  USE OF RURAL HOSPITAL CONTRACTS.  The
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the Texas Tech
Health Sciences Center, in conjunction with the committee, shall
develop and implement a comprehensive plan for expanding the use of
rural hospital contracts for inmate care.  The plan must include
measures designed to reduce inmate transportation costs, including
transportation-related security costs, and health care costs.
      Sec. 501.1491.  REPORT TO LEGISLATURE.  The Correctional
Managed Health Care Committee shall report to the 77th Legislature
regarding the progress made in expanding the use of rural hospital
contracts in providing inmate health care services and reducing
inmate transportation and health care costs.  The report must
include implementation plans, a timetable, and an analysis of costs
incurred and savings realized through expanding the use of rural
hospital contracts.  This section expires September 1, 2001.
      (2)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, (page 11, line 1 to page 12,
line 16, Senate Engrossment), renumber proposed Sections 501.149,
501.150, and 501.151, Government Code, as Sections 501.150,
501.151, and 501.152, Government Code, respectively.
      (3)  Add a new SECTION 5 to the bill to read as follows and
renumber the subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
      SECTION 5.  The University of Texas Medical Branch at
Galveston and the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, in conjunction
with the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, shall  develop
and begin implementation of the comprehensive plan required by
Section 501.149, Government Code, as added by this Act, not later
than January 1, 2000.