78R6620 GWK-D

By:  Talton                                                       H.B. No. 2727



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the time during which inmates may be considered for 
release on parole.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 508.141, Government Code, is amended by 
adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:
	(g)  The policy board shall adopt a policy establishing the 
date on which the board may reconsider for release an inmate 
described by Section 508.149 who has previously been denied 
release.  The policy must require the board to reconsider the inmate 
for release during a month designated by the parole panel that 
denied release.  The designated month must begin after the first 
anniversary of the date of the denial and end before the fifth 
anniversary of the date of the denial.
	SECTION 2.  The policy board of the Board of Pardons and 
Paroles shall adopt the reconsideration policy required by Section 
508.141(g), Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than 
January 1, 2004.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.