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.