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.