SRC-TJG C.S.H.B. 1236 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1236
78R8790 GWK-DBy: Hopson (Whitmire)
                                Administration
4-17-2003
Engrossed
DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law requires that a defendant being transferred from a county jail
to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice be accompanied by a pen packet
containing certain information about the defendant.  Among the items
required to be contained in the packet are a copy of the judgment entered
against the defendant; any amounts owed for restitution, fines, and court
costs; and a written report that states the nature and the seriousness of
each offense for which the defendant was convicted.  H.B. 1236 requires
that a copy of any detainer placed on the defendant be included in the
defendant's pen packet.   

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 8(a), Article 42.09, Code of Criminal
Procedure, to require a county that transfers a defendant to the Texas
Department of Criminal (TDCJ)  to deliver to the officer designated by the
TDCJ a copy of any detainer, issued by an agency of the federal
government, that is in the possession of the county and that has been
placed on the defendant and a written description of a hold or warrant,
issued by any other jurisdiction, that the county is aware of and that has
been placed on or issued for the defendant.  Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.