78R7644 GWK-D

By:  Allen                                                        H.B. No. 1852



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the imprisonment and treatment of inmates serving 
prison sentences for driving while intoxicated offenses and similar 
offenses under Chapter 49, Penal Code.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 495, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 495.009 to read as follows:
	Sec. 495.009.  CONTRACTS FOR DWI FACILITIES.  (a)  Not later 
than June 1, 2004, the board shall convert two units operated by the 
department into facilities operated for the department by a private 
vendor or county.
	(b)  Each unit converted under Subsection (a) must have a 
capacity of at least 1,400 beds.
	(c)  The facilities operated under contracts entered into 
under this section may only house inmates serving sentences for 
offenses under Chapter 49, Penal Code.
	(d)  The board shall ensure that contracts entered into under 
this section require the private vendor or county to provide 
treatment programs designed specifically to rehabilitate inmates 
convicted of felony offenses involving driving while intoxicated or 
similar offenses under Chapter 49, Penal Code.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.