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.