HBA-PDH H.B. 1256 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1256
By: Allen
Corrections
2/28/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Youth Commission Prison Industry Advisory Committee (advisory
committee) was created by the 74th Texas Legislature.     The 75th
Legislature established a new state agency to oversee Prison Industries
Enhancement programs.  This has left some speculation as to the role of the
advisory committee. H.B. 1256 clarifies the role of the advisory committee
by codifying the purpose, composition, and terms of service of the
committee. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 61.122, Human Resources Code, by amending
Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsection (d), as follows: 

(b) Sets forth staggered terms for members of the Texas Youth Commission
Prison Industries Advisory Committee (TYC advisory committee) with the
terms of three members expiring February 1 of each year, rather than each
odd-numbered year. 

(c) Sets forth the composition of the TYC advisory committee.

(d) Sets forth the individuals who serve as ex officio members of the TYC
advisory committee. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 61, Human Resources Code, by
adding Section 61.1221, as follows: 

Sec. 61.1221.  PURPOSE AND DUTIES OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE.  Sets forth the
purpose of the TYC advisory committee.  Requires the TYC advisory committee
to assist in the identification of prospective private sector employers who
might participate in TYC's prison industries program and who are
appropriate for hiring youth committed to TYC, advise and assist in the
development of a TYC prison industries marketing plan, provide input on any
changes relating to state or federal rules or regulations and practices
affecting TYC's prison industries program and its youth, and advise TYC on
career and technology education programs. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 61.123, Human Resources Code, as follows:

Sec. 61.123.  PAY AND DISTRIBUTION OF PAY.  Includes the reimbursement to
TYC of the child's room and board expenses while residing at a facility of
TYC in the priority of payment of wages earned by a child working under the
industries program.  Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 171.681(2), Tax Code, to delete an exception
from the definition of "eligible child." 
 
SECTION 5.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.  Provides that Section
61.122(c), Human Resources Code, does not require removal of any present
member of TYC advisory committee, but applies only to appointments made for
vacancies after the expiration of a current members term or by other means.
Provides that the appointment of ex officio members to the TYC advisory
committee is effective on September 1, 1999. 

SECTION 6.Emergency clause.