79R10309 MFC-D


By:  Phillips                                                     H.B. No. 549

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 549:                                    

By:  Smith of Harris                                          C.S.H.B. No. 549


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting the introduction of certain items in certain local jails. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 38.11(a), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A person commits an offense if the person provides: (1) an alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or dangerous drug to an inmate of a correctional facility, except on the prescription of a physician or practitioner, as defined in Section 551.003, Occupations Code; (2) a deadly weapon to an inmate of a correctional facility; [or] (3) a cellular telephone, cigarette, tobacco product, or money to an inmate of a correctional facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; (4) a cellular telephone or money to a person confined in a local jail regulated by the Commission on Jail Standards; or (5) a cigarette or tobacco product to a person confined in a local jail regulated by the Commission on Jail Standards and in providing the cigarette or tobacco product the person violates an ordinance or order adopted by a commissioners court or governing body of a municipality, as appropriate, that: (A) prohibits the possession of a cigarette or tobacco product by an inmate confined in the jail; or (B) places restrictions on: (i) the possession of a cigarette or tobacco product by an inmate confined in the jail; or (ii) the manner in which a cigarette or tobacco product may be provided to an inmate confined in the jail. SECTION 2. 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, 2005.