SRC-TAG H.B. 1660 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1660
78R15030 PEP-DBy: Flores (Hinojosa)
Criminal Justice
5/22/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law does not require that county jails operate video camera
surveillance systems within their respective facilities.  However, a high
level of surveillance cameras is necessary within these facilities to
ensure that the inmates, depending upon their incarceration program, are
maintained in their areas, along with guaranteeing the security of the
guards and the inmates.  H.B. 1660 requires the Commission on Jail
Standards to report to certain state officials regarding the installation
and operation of video camera surveillance systems in county jails. 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 351, Local Government Code, by
adding Section 351.016, as follows: 
 
Sec. 351.016.  REPORT TO LEGISLATURE ON VIDEO CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS.
(a)  Requires the the Commission on Jail Standards, not later than
December 1, 2004, to submit to the presiding officer of each house of the
legislature and to the presiding officer of the standing committee of the
house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over county affairs a
report that describes: 
  
(1)  the feasibility of installing and operating in county jails video
camera surveillance systems that record video images in each jail
corridor, solitary confinement cell, suicide watch cell, kitchen, and
dining area or other common area; 
  
(2)  the probability and nature of changes in technology affecting the
installation and operation of systems described by Subdivision (1); 
  
(3)  potential sources of revenue available to counties to pay for video
camera surveillance systems, including jail commissary proceeds and
possible increases in court costs; 
 
(4)  areas in county jails not described by Subdivision (1) that
nonetheless should be monitored by surveillance systems; and 
  
(5)  the feasibility of implementing and using other cost-effective means
to address the issues presenting an apparent need for video camera
surveillance systems, such as  a system ensuring that medical records
accompany inmates at each stage of incarceration; a system of separating
inmates according to offense seriousness;  a program to identify inmates
with illnesses or with suicidal tendencies; and  a program to provide
individual counseling to inmates on their admission to jail. 
  
  (b)  Provides that this section expires December 2, 2004.
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.