Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2839 by Allen, Ray (Relating to the participation of state inmates in the production of certain goods and the provision of certain services.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to allow the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to contract with a private or independent institution of higher education to sell prison-made products. The bill would also require contracts made between prisons and private industries to be certified by the Private Sector Prison Industries Oversight Authority as complying with applicable rules, and require that such jobs not cause the loss of existing jobs of a specific type provided by the contracting party. The bill would take effect immediately if receiving a vote of two-thirds of each chamber, or September 1, 2005.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.