SRC-BWC H.B. 287 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 287 77R7522 GWK-DBy: King, Phil (Van de Putte) Criminal Justice 5/11/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the introduction of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, and dangerous drugs into the prison environment carries penalties that deter trafficking. The introduction of tobacco products, however, does not carry a penalty. Tobacco products often serve as a form of currency within correctional facilities that allows inmates to barter for goods and services and decreases the control the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has over the inmate population. H.B. 287 creates a category of offense for providing cigarettes or tobacco products to an inmate of a correctional facility operated by or under contract with TDCJ. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 38.11(a), Penal Code, to provide that a person commits an offense if the person provides a cigarette or a tobacco product to an inmate of a correctional facility operated by or operated under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. SECTION 2. Amends Section 38.11(f), Penal Code, to define "cigarette" and "tobacco product." SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2001.