HBA-MSH, BSM H.B. 287 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 287
By: King, Phil
Corrections
4/16/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the introduction of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances,
and dangerous drugs into the prison environment carries penalties that
deters trafficking.  The introduction of tobacco products, however, does
not carry a penalty.  Tobacco products often serve as a form of currency
within correctional facilities allowing inmates to barter for goods and
services and decreasing the control the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice has over the inmate population.  House Bill 287 creates an offense
for providing tobacco products to an inmate of a correctional facility. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 287 amends the Penal Code to provide that a person commits an
offense if the person provides a tobacco product to an inmate of a
correctional facility operated by or operated under contract with the Texas
Department of Criminal  Justice.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.