H.B. 681 78(R) Page of 1BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 681 By: Farrar Urban Affairs 03/10/03 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chapter 361 of the Local Government Code is entitled Municipal and County Authority Relating to Jails. It comprises the following subchapters: Subchapter A. Criminal Justice Center in Certain Municipalities and Counties. Subchapter B. Justice Centers Located on State Lines. Subchapter C. Joint Municipal and County Jail Facilities in Certain Counties. Subchapter D. Provisions For Correctional Facilities. Subchapter E. Municipal Contract With County or Private Entity for Jail Facilities. House Bill 681 would amend 361.067, appearing in subchapter E. Under this law, a county may not establish a jail or similar facility in a city with a population of 1.5 million, and if the county jail would be within one-half mile of a school, college, or church. H.B. 681 would repeal this restriction on county jails. 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. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Local Government Code 361.067 to permit county jails in a city with a population of 1.5 million to be located within one-half mile of a public school, higher educational institution, or place of worship. SECTION 2. Effective date. EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately with a two-thirds vote, or September 1, 2003.