H.B. 679 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 679 By: Talton Corrections Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, twice-convicted sex offenders have the option of undergoing an orchiectomy (surgical castration). Since the inception of this option in 1997, only one inmate has elected to undergo this procedure despite the current existence of around 26,900 incarcerated sex offenders. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) supplies little to no information about this option to inmates eligible for this procedure. HB 679 simply requires TDCJ to notify all eligible inmates of their legal option for an orchiectomy. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS The bill amends Section 501.061, Government Code, by adding Subsection (a-1) which requires the TDCJ institutional division to inform eligible inmates of their right to undergo an orchiectomy. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003