SRC-DPW C.S.S.B. 1514 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1514
76R11229 PEP-DBy: Ogden
Criminal Justice
4/6/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) to contract with a criminal justice agency for the provision of
inmate or probationer labor for a state highway system improvement project,
but does not allow TxDOT to contract with private prisons.  This bill would
allow TxDOT to contract with private correctional facilities for the
provision of inmate or probation labor.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1514 authorizes the use of inmate and probationer
labor for state highway system improvements. 

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 the heading of Section 223.004, Transportation Code, as
follows: 

Sec. 223.044. New heading: INMATE LABOR OR LABOR OF PERSONS PLACED ON
COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.  

SECTION 2. Amends Sections 223.044(a) and (b), Transportation Code, to
authorize the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) to authorize the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to contract with a private
correctional facility for the provision of inmate labor or the labor of
persons placed on community supervision for state highway improvement
projects.  Requires a contract with a criminal justice agency to be made in
conformity with Chapter 771, Government Code. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 233.044, Transportation Code, to amend the section heading.

SECTION 2.

Amends Section 223.044(a), Transportation Code, to authorize the commission
to authorize TxDOT to contract with a private correctional facility for the
provision of inmate labor or the labor of persons placed on community
supervision for state highway improvement projects. Deletes a definition of
"criminal justice agency."