SRC-JBJ S.B. 288 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 288
By: Armbrister
Criminal Justice
6/15/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

There is some inconsistency and confusion in the application of statutes
regulating the fiscal operation of a community supervision and corrections
department (department) established under Chapter 76, Government Code.
S.B. 288 authorizes a district judge to appoint fiscal officers, other than
the county auditor, to be responsible for certain financial operations for
a department and provides guidelines for the appointment and use of such
fiscal officers. 

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 76.004, Government Code, as follows:

Sec. 76.004. New heading: DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR; FISCAL OFFICER.  (c)
Authorizes the district judge or judges to appoint for a community
supervision and corrections department established under this chapter
(department) a fiscal officer, other than the county auditor.  Sets forth
responsibilities of the fiscal officer. 

(d)  Authorizes the district judge or judges to appoint a person as fiscal
officer only after investigating the person and determining that the person
meets certain criteria. 

(e)  Requires a fiscal officer appointed under this section, before
beginning employment and not later than the 20th day after the date the
appointment to carry out certain actions. 

(f)  Requires the district judge or judges to set the annual compensation
of a fiscal officer appointed under this section.  Requires the department
to pay all costs related to the functions of the fiscal officer. 
  
(g)  Provides that Subsections (c)-(f) do not diminish the rights of
certain specific officers or entities to examine and audit certain
documents and information of a department. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.