78R9035 EMT-D

By:  Allen                                                        H.B. No. 2896



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the operation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.                
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 508.051, Government Code, is amended to 
read as follows: 
	Sec. 508.051.  SUNSET PROVISION.  The Board of Pardons and 
Paroles is subject to review under Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act), 
but is not abolished under that chapter.  The board shall be 
reviewed during the period in which agencies are reviewed in 
anticipation of legislative action by the 80th Legislature, Regular 
Session, 2007 [the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is 
reviewed].
	SECTION 2.  Section 508.141(c), Government Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(c)  Before releasing an inmate on parole, a parole panel 
shall interview the inmate and may have the inmate appear in person
before the panel [and interview the inmate].
	SECTION 3.  Section 508.223, Government Code, is amended to 
read as follows: 
	Sec. 508.223.  PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING.  A parole panel 
shall [may] require as a condition of parole or mandatory 
supervision that a releasee serving a sentence for an offense under 
Section 42.072, Penal Code, attend psychological counseling 
sessions of a type and for a duration as specified by the parole 
panel, if the parole panel determines in consultation with a local 
mental health services provider that appropriate mental health 
services are available through the Texas Department of Mental 
Health and Mental Retardation in accordance with Section 534.053, 
Health and Safety Code, or through another mental health services 
provider.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.