79R6904 GWK-F

By:  Chisum                                                       H.B. No. 1653



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the approval, certification, and oversight of the 
private sector prison industries program.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 497.051(a), Government Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  The Private Sector Prison Industries Oversight 
Authority is created to approve, certify, and oversee the operation 
of private sector prison industries programs in this state [the 
department, the Texas Youth Commission, and in county correctional 
facilities] in compliance with the federal prison enhancement 
certification program established under 18 U.S.C. Section 1761.  
The executive director shall provide the authority with clerical 
and technical support as necessary for the authority to perform 
duties imposed on the authority by this subchapter and shall ensure 
that the department implements the policies adopted by the 
authority that relate to the operation of private sector prison 
industries programs.
	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.