BILL ANALYSIS
By: Chisum
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIE) exempts certified states and local departments of corrections from normal restrictions on the sale of prisoner-made goods in interstate commerce.
Under current Texas law, the Private Sector Prison Industries Oversight Authority has the authority, in compliance with federal guidelines, to approve, certify, and oversee the operations of private sector prison industries program in the department (TDCJ), Texas Youth Commission and in county correctional facilities.
Privately operated prisons that house inmates, other than Texas inmates, are not currently able to operate PIE programs. H.B. 1653 broadens the authority of the Private Sector Prison Industries Oversight Authority to approve, certify and oversee the operations of private sector prison industries program in any privately operated prison, housing other than Texas inmates.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 497.051(a) of the Government Code, as follows:
(a) Adds the words "in this state" and deletes specific reference to the Texas Department of
Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth Commission and county correctional facilities.
SECTION 2. Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.