81R2207 HLT-D
 
  By: Hodge H.B. No. 285
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of tobacco products and cigarettes on property
  owned, used, or controlled by the Texas Department of Criminal
  Justice.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 493, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Section 493.029 to read as follows:
         Sec. 493.029.  TOBACCO PRODUCTS.  (a) In this section:
               (1)  "Cigarette" has the meaning assigned by Section
  154.001, Tax Code.
               (2)  "Tobacco product" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 155.001, Tax Code.
         (b)  The board shall adopt a rule that permits the possession
  and use of tobacco products and cigarettes by:
               (1)  employees of and persons in the custody of the
  department; and
               (2)  visitors to property owned, used, or controlled by
  the department.
         (c)  The rule must provide for the designation by the
  executive director of approved areas in which persons in the
  custody of the department are permitted to use tobacco products and
  cigarettes.
         SECTION 2.  The Texas Board of Criminal Justice shall adopt
  the rule described by Section 493.029, Government Code, as added by
  this Act, not later than October 1, 2009.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.