HBA-NIK H.B. 3256 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3256
By: Farrar
Corrections
3/21/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law permits the sharing of information regarding convicted felons.
The sharing of information among agencies provides continuity of care to
offenders with mental or physical impairments.  H.B. 3256 amends current
law to authorize the sharing of information regarding special needs
offenders between criminal justice, human services, and educational
agencies.  

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 614.017, Health and Safety Code, as follows.
(a) Authorizes an agency  to disclose information about the identity of a
special needs offender, including the offender's supervision status and
compliance with conditions of supervision.  Makes a conforming change. 

(c)  Provides that "agency" includes any of the specified entities, rather
than a division within an agency, a person with an agency relationship with
one of the specified entities, rather than an agency, and a person who
contracts with one or more of the specified entities.  Redefines "special
needs offender." 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.