SRC-DPW C.S.S.B. 659 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 659 By: Cain State Affairs 5/3/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, prison employees are not allowed to raise money for charity on prison grounds. In the past, prison employees were allowed to conduct such activities, which raised money for worthy causes and are believed to have served as community building programs, especially in smaller cities. This bill would allow voluntary participation in charitable fundraising activities by state employees serving in correctional facilities. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 659 authorizes a state agency to permit a charitable organization to conduct a fund-raising activity on state property and authorizes state employees to participate in charitable activities. 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 Chapter 493, Government Code, by adding Section 493.023, as follows: Sec. 493.023. CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING. Entitles an employee of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to participate in fundraising activities conducted on TDCJ property for the benefit of an eligible charitable organization, under policies required to be adopted by TDCJ which address: qualifications of charitable organizations; limitations on the use of funds; handling and distribution of proceeds of fundraising activities; and ensuring that participation is voluntary. Provides that funds collected under this section are not subject to Section 404.094. Prohibits policies adopted under this section from affecting TDCJ's participation in the State Employees Charitable Campaign, Chapter 659H. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Adds Section 493.023, Government Code, regarding charitable fundraising. Deletes proposed SECTIONS 1 and 2. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999 SECTION 3. Removes text making the Act effective upon passage.