BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 159

79R236 MSE-D                                                                                                                  By: Eltife

                                                                                                                                   Criminal Justice

3/22/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

A recent attorney general opinion concluded that the use of county inmate labor at events that are a joint venture between the county and a nonprofit organization is not permitted under current law.

As proposed, S.B. 159 amends Article 43.10, Code of Criminal Procedure, to permit use of county inmate labor for nonprofit organizations that provide services to the general public that enhance social welfare and the general well-being of the community.

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 Article 43.10, Code of Criminal Procedure, to authorize the prisoners to which this article applies to be put to labor for a nonprofit organization that provides services to the general public that enhance social welfare and the general well-being of the community. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies to a person who is convicted of an offense with respect to which Article 43.10, Code of Criminal Procedure, applies, regardless of whether the conviction occurs before, on, or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.