BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3654

By: Marquez

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current law, the Commission on Jail Standards does not establish certain health care standards affecting pregnant inmates.  The commission is also not required to report the number of pregnant inmates detained at any time in Texas. 

H.B. 3654 requires the Commission on Jail Standards to establish specific minimum standards relating to the health and housing of persons who are pregnant and confined in a county jail. The bill requires each county to include in its monthly report to the commission information on the number of prisoners who are known to be pregnant.

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

H.B. 3654 amends the Government Code to require the Commission on Jail Standards to establish specific minimum standards for the provision of medical, mental health, and dietary services to and the housing and work assignment needs of persons who are pregnant and confined in a county jail. The bill requires each county to include in its monthly report to the commission information on the number of prisoners confined in the county jail on the first day of the month who are known to be pregnant.

H.B. 3654 requires the commission to establish the specific standards not later than January 1, 2010, and requires a county to submit the first report regarding prisoners known to be pregnant not later than October 5, 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.