TITLE public-safety-and-corrections

Part I. Texas Department of Public Safety

Chapter 3. Traffic Law Enforcement

Subchapter E. Requirements for Displaying Vehicle Inspection Certificate

37 TAC §3.71

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes an amendment to §3.71 concerning vehicles exempt from the vehicle inspection program. The justification for this section is to reflect the statutory provisions regarding certain registered vehicles and the exemption of those vehicles from the requirements of undergoing a vehicle inspection and displaying a valid inspection certificate.

Tom Haas, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be minimal fiscal implications to state government and no fiscal implications to local government.

Mr. Haas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be additional flexibility and convenience in obtaining an inspection and clearer interpretation and understanding of the exemptions associated with the vehicle inspection program. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There are no anticipated economic costs to small or large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mary Ann Courter, Chief of Legal Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0140, (512) 424-2890.

The amendment is proposed pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.006(4), which provides the director with the authority to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for the control of the department.

Texas Government Code, §411.006(4) is affected by this proposal.

§3.71.Certain Registered Vehicles Exempt from Inspection.

A vehicle displaying an all-terrain validation sticker, antique license, antique validation sticker, disaster relief license, farm trailer license, former military vehicle license, in-transit license, machinery license, parade license, permit license, rental trailer license, or a trailer or travel trailer license plate if the actual gross weight or registered gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less, is not required to display a valid inspection certificate. Additionally, a vehicle displaying a factory delivery permit, a vehicle being conveyed displaying a converter's temporary cardboard tag, a one-trip permit, or a 144-hour or 72-hour permit when issued for mobile drilling and servicing equipment used in gas, oil, or crude production, is not required to display a valid inspection certificate. A vehicle displaying a dealer issued charitable organization tag or demonstration/in-transit tag [ also ]is not required to display a valid inspection certificate. A vehicle which qualifies for a tax exemption under Tax Code, §152.092 is not required to display a valid inspection certificate.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 30, 1999.

TRD-9904607

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Chapter 23. Vehicle Inspection

Subchapter H. Commercial Motor Vehicle Compulsory Inspection Program

37 TAC §23.101

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes amendments to §23.101 concerning the Commercial Motor Vehicle Compulsory Inspection Program. The amendment to §23.101, subsection (b) is necessary to reflect changes resulting from the re-codification of Texas Civil Statutes to Texas Transportation Code. Amendment to subsection (f), adds new paragraphs (6) and (7) which are necessary to implement changes to the definition of commercial motor vehicles resulting from the passage of House Bill 385 passed during the 76th Texas Legislative Session.

The authority section for the amendment of §23.101 is codified in Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548, Subchapter D, which requires the Commission to establish an inspection program for commercial motor vehicles that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and also requires a commercial motor vehicle registered in this state to pass an annual inspection. The Commission established 37 TAC §23.101 (relating to Commercial Vehicle Compulsory Inspection Program), which implemented an inspection program that has been certified by the Federal Highway Administrator as meeting the federal requirements of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 396. House Bill 385 extends the inspection requirements to include a school bus and a school activity bus.

In this proposed amendment to §23.101, the Commission is establishing procedures that would provide an operator of a school bus or a school activity bus an opportunity to comply with the provisions of Texas Transportation Code, §548.352 (relating to Prima Facie Speed Limits), by obtaining a commercial vehicle inspection certificate.

Tom Haas, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be some minor fiscal implications to state or local government if they choose to operate a school bus or school activity bus per Texas Transportation Code, §548.352 (relating to Prima Facie Speed Limits). The anticipated cost for complying with this rule as proposed is the $50 inspection certificate fee.

Mr. Haas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing or administering the rule will be that individuals are fully informed regarding the requirements of operating a school bus or school activity bus at the speed limits authorized in House Bill 385. There will be some minor economic impact on small or large businesses. The anticipated cost for complying with this rule as proposed is the $50 inspection certificate fee.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mary Ann Courter, Chief of Legal Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0140, (512)424-2890.

The amendment is proposed pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548 and Texas Government Code, §411.006(4), which provide the Public Safety Commission of the Texas Department of Public Safety with the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the work of the Texas Department of Public Safety, and which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules establishing an inspection program for commercial motor vehicles.

This proposal affects Texas Transportation Code, Chaper 548, Subchapter D.

§23.101.Commercial Motor Vehicle Compulsory Inspection Program.

(a)

All commercial motor vehicles registered in this state shall be required to pass an annual inspection of all safety equipment required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on or before the expiration of the current state inspection certificate and not later than December 31, 1994.

(b)

All commercial motor vehicles required to be inspected under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are also subject to the regular state inspection requirements as provided in Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 548 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6701d, §140 ].

(c)

A fee of $50 will be charged for each commercial motor vehicle safety inspection. A unique inspection certificate will be issued by the department to designate that the vehicle has met the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and state inspection requirements.

(d)

The commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate will expire on the last day of the month and year indicated.

(e)

Except for any appropriate grace period, a person may not operate a commercial motor vehicle registered in this state unless it is equipped as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and displays a valid commercial motor vehicle inspection certificate.

(f)

For purposes of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Compulsory Inspection Program, the term "commercial motor vehicle" means a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway to transport passengers or property if:

(1)

the vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds;

(2)

the vehicle is a farm vehicle with a gross weight, a registered weight, or a gross weight rating of more than 48,000 pounds;

(3)

the vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver;

(4)

the vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding as required under the federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C., §§1801-1813);[ or ]

(5)

the vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds and is operated in interstate commerce and registered in this state ; [ . ]

(6)

the vehicle is a school bus that will operate at a speed authorized by Texas Transportation Code, §545.352(b)(A); or

(7)

the vehicle is a school activity bus, as defined in Texas Transportation Code, §541.201, that has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds, or is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.

(g)

Exceptions to the commercial motor vehicle safety inspection program are:

(1)

all school bus operations used to transport only children and or school personnel from home to school and school to home, except that contract school buses used for any purpose other than transporting children to and from school only are not exempt;

(2)

transportation performed by the federal government, state, or any political subdivision of a state or an agency established under a compact between states that has been approved by the Congress of the United States;

(3)

the occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation or in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise;

(4)

the transportation of human corpses or sick or injured persons;

(5)

the operation of fire trucks and rescue vehicles while involved in emergency and related operations;

(6)

the private transportation of passengers; and

(7)

farm vehicles with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating less than 48,000 pounds (except interstate operation of more than 10,000 pounds).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 30, 1999.

TRD-9904608

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Part V. Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Chapter 141. General Provisions

Subchapter G. Definition of Terms

37 TAC §141.111

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §141.111, concerning Definition of Terms. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of defining "Policy Board" and to delete the definition of the obsolete "Executive Committee." The new definitions are proposed in order to continue compliance with House Bill 1386, Chapter 161, §7, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, (effective September 1, 1997), recommended by the Sunset Advisory Commission, by which the Legislature created the Policy Board.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of the Policy Board's procedures.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §§2, 6A, 6C, and 7 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (repealed effective September 1, 1999), to be recodified as §§508.001(8), 508.036, and 508.0361 of the Government Code.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§141.111. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)-(18)

(No change.)

[ (19)

Executive committee--Six members appointed by the Chairman to perform duties as described in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 42.18, §6(c).]

(19)

[ (20) ] Fiduciary--A person holding a position of trust, who has the duty, created by the undertaking, to act primarily for another's benefit in that undertaking.

(20)

[ (21) ] Full Pardon--An unconditional act of executive clemency by the governor which serves to release the grantee from the conditions of his or her sentence and from any disabilities imposed by law thereby.

(21)

[ (22) ] Further Investigation (FI)--An initial determination by a parole panel favorable to parole of an inmate, subject to additional investigation and processing.

(22)

[ (23) ] Hearing officer--A staff member designated by the board and assigned to conduct an administrative release revocation hearing concerning one or more allegations of violation of the terms and/or conditions of parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon.

(23)

[ (24) ] Hearing section--The hearings section of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

(24)

[ (25) ] Inmate--A person incarcerated in the TDCJ-Institutional Division, other penal institution, or jail serving a sentence imposed upon conviction of a felony.

(25)

[ (26) ] Mandatory supervision--The non-discretionary release of a prisoner from imprisonment but not from the legal custody of the state, under such conditions and provisions for supervision as the board panel may determine. A prisoner released to mandatory supervision is deemed as if on parole. For the purposes of revocation, the terms "parole" and "mandatory supervision" are interchangeable and reference to either one of said terms includes the other.

(26)

[ (27) ] Mandatory supervision certificate--An order of the board or board panel incorporating the terms and conditions of supervision.

(27)

[ (28) ] Mandatory supervision date--The date on which the release to mandatory supervision of an eligible prisoner may occur.

(28)

[ (29) ] Mandatory supervision releasee and mandatory releasee--A person released from prison under mandatory supervision (see definition of "mandatory supervision" set forth in this section). A mandatory releasee is also an administrative releasee (see definition of "administrative releasee" set forth in this section).

(29)

[ (30) ] Pardon--See the definition of full pardon set forth in this section.

(30)

[ (31) ] Parole--The discretionary release of a prisoner from imprisonment but not from the legal custody of the state, under such conditions and provisions for supervision as the board or board panel may determine.

(31)

[ (32) ] Parole certificate--An order of the board or board panel, incorporating the terms and conditions of release (See Contract of Release).

(32)

[ (33) ] Parole officer--A person duly appointed by the director of the TDCJ-Parole Division and assigned the duty of supervising administrative releasees.

(33)

[ (34) ] Parole panel--A three member decision-making body authorized to act in administrative release matters.

(34)

[ (35) ] Parolee--A person released from prison on parole (see definition of parole set forth in this section). A parolee is also an administrative releasee (see definition of "administrative releasee" set forth in this section).

(35)

[ (36) ] Party--Each person or agency named or admitted as a party.

(36)

Policy Board--Six members of the board appointed by the governor as an additional duty of office, who vote on policy matters affecting the entire board.

(37)-(49)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904553

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


Chapter 145. Parole

Subchapter A. Parole Process

37 TAC §145.3

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §145.3, concerning policy statements relating to parole release decisions by the Board. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of clarifying the procedures involved in consideration of inmates eligible for release on special needs parole.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will that inmates will be allowed to pursue an application for special needs parole if they are more than six months away from their parole review date.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§145.3.Policy Statements Relating to Parole Release Decisions by the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

To aid the Board of Pardons and Paroles in its analysis and research of parole release, the board adopts the following policies.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

An inmate will be considered for parole when eligible and when the inmate meets the following criteria with regard to behavior during incarceration.

(A)-(E)

(No change.)

(F)

An inmate who is otherwise eligible for release and meets the criteria for special needs parole as required by Government Code, §508.146 may be considered for release on parole if the parole docket date is more than six months from the date of application for special needs parole.

(3)

Any consideration by a Board member of an inmate's litigation activities when determining an inmate's candidacy for parole is strictly prohibited. No inmate will be denied the opportunity to present to the judiciary, including appellate courts, his or her allegations concerning violations of fundamental constitutional rights. Any consideration of such legal activity during the parole process is a violation of Board policy. In the event parole is denied in violation of this subsection, the inmate may pursue a remedy under the special review provisions of §145.17 of this title (relating to Action upon Review of Information Not Previously Available--Release Denied) [ §145.16(b) of this title (relating to Action Upon Review of Additional Information) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904556

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


Subchapter B. Terms and Conditions of Parole

37 TAC §145.21

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §145.21, concerning parole in absentia for prisoners not in actual physical custody of the TDCJ Institutional Division. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of making non-substantive changes in the language of the rule.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of procedures regarding parole review and mandatory supervision for prisoners not in actual physical custody of the TDCJ Institutional Division.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§145.21.Parole in Absentia (Parole Review and Mandatory Supervision for Prisoners Not in Actual Physical Custody of the TDCJ [ - ] Institutional Division).

Prisoners serving state prison sentences for Texas crimes and prisoners whose parole or mandatory supervision [ administrative release status ] has been revoked who are not in the actual physical custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice [ -- ] Institutional Division are subject to the parole review process as set out in this chapter and title [ , generally, ] in accord with the following.

(1)

Parole in absentia processing is initiated by the assigned Institutional Division staff upon referral from the county of conviction when all necessary pen packet documents have been compiled and presented to the Institutional Division.

(2)

Prior to consideration for parole by the parole panel, the inmate may be interviewed by a representative of the Institutional Division for the purpose of obtaining a parole release plan and completion of a parole in absentia summary in order that the parole panel may make an informed decision concerning parole release suitability (§145.12 of this title (relating to Action upon Review) ; [ and ] §145.16 of this title (relating to Action upon Special Review of [ Additional ] Information Not Previously Available--Release Approved), and §145.17 of this title (relating to Action upon Special Review of Information Not Previously Available--Release Denied) ).

(3)

A prisoner released to parole in absentia or mandatory supervision on a Texas felony sentence shall, after release, be treated the same as a prisoner released on parole or mandatory supervision directly from the TDCJ [ - ] Institutional Division. Such [ administrative ] releasees are subject to revocation for violation of the terms and conditions of their release pursuant to the provisions and procedures of Chapter 146 of this title [ this chapter and title relating to the revocation ] (relating to Revocation of Parole or Mandatory Supervision (§§146.3-146.10)) [ administrative release (§§145.41-145.55 of this title (relating to Parole and Mandatory Supervision and Executive Clemency)) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904554

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


37 TAC §145.26

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §145.26, concerning annual report status. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of updating the rule to reflect current Board policy of not approving parolees for annual report status.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of procedures regarding annual report status of releasees.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§145.26.Annual Report Status.

(a)

Annual report status is a releasee status which releases the parolee from the original terms and conditions of parole, releases the individual from the direct supervision of a parole officer, and is conditional upon the releasee's acceptance of and compliance with the annual report rules.

(b)

A releasee shall not [ may ] be considered by a parole panel for annual report status [ upon the recommendation of his or her parole officer after having been satisfactorily under supervision for: ]

[ (1)

a minimum of two years if released from a sentence of less than ten years; or]

[ (2)

a minimum of three years if released from a sentence of ten years or more but less than 30 years; or]

[ (3)

a minimum of five years if released from a sentence of 30 years or more.]

[ (c)

A recommendation to a parole panel for transfer to annual report status must be approved by the supervisor of the region of the Pardons and Paroles Division in which the releasee is under active supervision at the time of the recommendation.]

[ (d)

The releasee remains subject to the rules of the board and subject to its orders while on an annual report status.]

(c)

[ (e) ] A parole panel may, at its discretion and without notice, set aside any previous [ an ] order of transfer to annual report status and impose any additional rules or conditions of release as the parole panel may deem to be proper.

[ (f)

The rules for a releasee on annual report status are listed in the following paragraphs.]

[ (1)

Each year, from the date of the acceptance of this order for annual report, the releasee will report in writing to the regional supervisor of the region of parole supervision where releasee was residing when first placed on annual reporting status; said report showing his or her current employment and residence. This annual report will be made until the term of his or her administrative release expires. Failure to submit this report each year could result in his or her being returned to active release supervision, or the issuance of a pre-revocation warrant or summons for his or her arrest and possible return to the TDCJ-Institutional Division.]

[ (2)

The releasee will obey all federal, state, county and municipal laws and ordinances.]

[ (3)

The releasee will not communicate with any inmate of a penal institution, unless approved in writing to do so by a warden or general manager of the penal institution; the original or a copy of such approval shall be immediately sent by the releasee to the Director of Parole Supervision, 8610 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711.]

[ (4)

The releasee shall not own, possess, use nor have under his or her control any firearms, prohibited weapons or illegal weapons as defined in the Texas Penal Code; nor shall he unlawfully carry any weapon nor use, attempt or threaten to use any tool, implement or object or to cause or to threaten to cause any bodily injury.]

[ (5)

The releasee will report, in writing, the fact of any arrest or change or residential address within five days of its occurrence, to the supervisor of the region of the Pardons and Paroles Division in the region where releasee was residing when first placed on annual report.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904555

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


Subchapter C. Revocation of Parole or Mandatory Supervision

37 TAC §145.54

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §145.54, concerning a releasee's motion to reopen a hearing. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of changing the application period from 30 days to 45 days from the date of the Board's revocation decision. In addition, the amendment is proposed for the purpose of making non-substantive changes in the language of the rule.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of procedures regarding the application process for motions to reopen the revocation hearing.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas, 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§145.54.Releasee's Motion To Reopen Hearing.

(a)

[ When the releasee receives notice as a result of a revocation hearing that the board's decision is revocation, ] The releasee [ he or she ] shall have 45 [ 30 ] days from the date of the board's revocation decision to request a reopening of the case for further development of factual or legal issues. Such a reopening shall be granted [ under the following circumstances and/or ] on the following grounds only:

(1)

that there is new, relevant, competent evidence which is of probative value on a material issue of fact or law, not merely collateral or cumulative, which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, was unavailable at the time of the hearing;

(2)

that the findings of fact [ and/ ] or conclusions of law, or both:

(A)

are not supported by a preponderance of the credible evidence; or

(B)

are contrary to the law;

(3)

that the procedures [ procedure ] followed in the hearing, review, [ and/ ] or disposition of the case are violations [ violative ] of the law.

(b)

Any such request for reopening made under this section must be in writing and delivered to the board or placed in the United States mail (certified, return receipt requested) and addressed to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Board Administrator [ Staff Counsel ], P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711.

[(c)

On receipt of any such request for reopening, the staff counsel shall cause the same to be transmitted to the board or board panel, together with any response thereto by the staff counsel for final action on the request. Whenever such a transmittal includes such a response, the releasee and his or her attorney, if any, shall be notified in writing of the board's decision.]

(c)

[ (d) ] On transmittal, the board shall dispose of the motion by:

(1)

granting of the motion and ordering that the hearing be reopened for a stated specified and limited purpose, in which event the case shall be referred to a parole panel;

(2)

denial of the motion; or

(3)

reversal of the final board disposition previously entered and withdrawal of the warrant, under the same terms and provisions as provided in §146.10 [ §145.53(d) ] of this title (relating to Final Board Disposition) [ , and §145.57 of this title (relating to Warrant Withdrawal Approved by the Board) ].

(d)

The releasee and his or her attorney, if any, shall be notified in writing of the board's decision.

(e)

When a releasee's motion to reopen [ for reopening ] under this section is granted, the releasee shall be deemed to have consented to such further reasonable delay in the final disposition of his or her case as shall be required for the procedure described in §145.55 of this title (relating to Procedure after Motion To Reopen Is Granted; Time; Rights of the Releasee; Final Disposition).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904557

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


37 TAC §145.55

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §145.55, concerning procedures after a motion to reopen is granted. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of making non-substantive changes in the language of the rule.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of procedures after a motion to reopen is granted.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas, 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§145.55.Procedure after Motion To Reopen Is Granted; Time; Rights of the Releasee; Final Disposition.

(a)

When the board panel disposes of a releasee's motion to reopen under §145.54 of this title (relating to Releasee's Motion To Reopen Hearing) by granting said motion [ notion ], the case shall be disposed of or referred to a parole panel or hearing officer for final disposition in accordance with this section ; and the previous disposition of the case made by the board under §146.10 [ §145.50(b) ] of this title ( relating to Final Board Disposition [ relating to Administrative Release (Revocation) Preliminary Hearing ]) shall be set aside and shall be of no force and effect.

(b)

The purpose of the further proceedings before the parole panel or hearing officer under this section shall be as specified by the board panel in its order granting the releasee's motion to reopen pursuant to §145.54(c)(1) [ §145.54(d)(1) ] of this title (relating to Releasee's Motion To Reopen Hearing).

(c)

When the parole panel or hearing officer convenes the reopening of the hearing, it shall have before it the entire record previously compiled in the case, including:

(1)

the record, report, and recommendation of the preliminary or revocation hearing (§146.7 of this title (relating to Preliminary Hearing) and §146.9 of this title (relating to Revocation Hearing)) [ (§145.50 of this title (relating to Administrative Release (Revocation) Preliminary Hearing) and §145.51 of this title (relating to Administrative Release Revocation Hearing)) ] collected [ and/ ] or prepared by the [ staff ] hearing officer originally assigned to the case;

(2)

any amendments, supplements, or modifications of the record, report, [ and/ ] or recommendation as developed through prior reopenings of the case [ under §145.52(b)(2) and (c) and §145.53(b)(3) and (e) of this title (relating to Review of Administrative Release Revocation Hearing Record; Report and Recommendation of the Hearing Officer; and Final Board Disposition) ];

(3)

the releasee's motion to reopen the hearing under §145.54 of this title (relating to Releasee's Motion To Reopen Hearing); and

(4)

any transmittal submitted to the board panel with recommendation from board staff [ response or recommendation of the staff counsel regarding the record, report, or recommendation of the hearing officer of the releasee's motion to reopen ].

(d)

The parole panel or hearing officer before which a case is reconvened under this section shall give due weight to the findings of fact and conclusions of law entered in the hearing officer's report, except to the extent that such findings may be undermined or called into question in the board's order for reopening pursuant to §145.54(c)(1) [ §145.54(d)(1) ] of this title (relating to Releasee's Motion To Reopen Hearing). When the parole panel or hearing officer, on the basis of proceedings before it under this section, determines not to give weight to one or more findings of fact or conclusions of law duly entered in the hearing officer's report, it shall specify which findings [ and/ ] or conclusions are rejected, the reasons therefor, and whether new findings [ and/ ] or conclusions are to be substituted [ and/ ] or added to the report.

(e)

In carrying out its responsibility under subsection (d) of this section, the parole panel or hearing officer may, in his or her [ its ] discretion, hear new evidence offered by the releasee or the board's representative.

(f)

At the conclusion of the proceedings before the parole panel or hearing officer, or within a reasonable time thereafter, the parole panel [ or hearing officer ] shall make final disposition of the case by taking one of the following actions:

(1)

recommending to the board or governor that the parole or mandatory supervision [ administrative release in question ] be revoked; or

(2)

ordering the withdrawal of the warrant, if any, and continuation of the parole or mandatory supervision [ administrative release ] under the same or modified terms [ and/ ] or conditions, or, when the sentence of the releasee [ release ] has expired, release to discharge.

(g)

The releasee [ administrative release ] shall be entitled to the same rights at any proceedings under this section as those enumerated in Chapter 146 of this title (relating to Revocation of Parole or Mandatory Supervision) [ §145.49 of this title (relating to Rights of the Administrative Releasee in the Revocation Process), except to the extent that said rights have been fully and completely afforded during previous proceedings under §145.51 of this title (relating to Administrative Release Revocation Hearing) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904558

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


Subchapter D. Reinstatement of Parole or Mandatory Supervision After Revocation

37 TAC §145.71

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §145.71, concerning the procedure for filing motions for reinstatement of the releasee following a revocation of parole or mandatory supervision. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of making non-substantive changes in the language of the rule.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of procedures that are to be followed when requesting a reinstatement of parole.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas, 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§145.71.Reinstatement; Exceptional Circumstances; Hearing.

(a)

Except for persons revoked and reinstated in accord with the provisions of §145.56 of this title (relating to Revocation of [ Administrative Release ( ] Parole[ , ] or Mandatory Supervision); Recommendation; Proclamation; Warrant), there is no entitlement to consideration for reinstatement of a revoked releasee [ administrative release ].

(b)

A request for reinstatement of a revoked releasee [ administrative release may be addressed to the board and ] should specify the [ purported ] exceptional circumstances which justify such action as follows:

(1)

judicial reversal of a judgment of conviction of a criminal offense where the [ which ] offense constituted an underlying factor in the initial revocation decision;

(2)

initial revocation effected without opportunity for a hearing as required under law [ , under the old law which authorized to board to revoke the administrative release status when the releasee received a new felony conviction with time served in a penal institution, but only where the releasee is arrested/detained on authority of the warrant subsequent to the date the court declared the old law ]; or

(3)

other exceptional circumstances.

(c)

All requests for reinstatement of parole or mandatory supervision [ administrative release ] must be in writing and delivered to the board or placed in the United States mail (certified, return receipt requested) and addressed to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, Board Administrator, P. O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas 78711 [ shall be referred to the General Counsel or Director of Paroles, Hearings, and Clemency for review, investigation, and transmittal ].

(d)

Upon review of the person's request for reinstatement of parole or mandatory supervision [ administrative release ], the board shall:

(1)

order that the revoked releasee [ administrative release ] be reinstated;

(2)

grant a reinstatement hearing;

(3)

deny the request for reinstatement; or

(4)

take any other action allowed by law.

(e)

If the board grants a reinstatement hearing, the case shall be referred to a parole panel or a designee of the board to conduct [ for the conducting of ] such hearing, to be held within a reasonable time.

(f)

In any reinstatement hearing, the burden is on the revoked releasee to show by a preponderance of the credible evidence that there are [ exist ] exceptional circumstances which warrant such action.

(g)

After a hearing under Chapter 146 of this title (relating to Revocation of Parole or Mandatory Supervision [ the applicable sections therefor under Chapter 147 of this title (relating to Hearings) ], the parole panel shall make final disposition as follows:

(1)

reinstatement under the same or modified conditions of release;

(2)

deny the request for reinstatement; or

(3)

take any other action allowed by law.

(h)

Upon the approval of reinstatement by a parole panel, the person shall be ordered released.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904559

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


Chapter 149. Mandatory Supervision

Subchapter A. Rules and Conditions of Mandatory Supervision

37 TAC §149.5

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposes an amendment to 37 TAC §149.5, concerning annual report status. The amendment is proposed for the purpose of updating the rule to reflect current Board policy of not approving persons on mandatory supervision for annual report status.

Gerald Garrett, Chair of the Policy Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Chairman Garrett also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be a clarification of procedures regarding annual report status of persons on mandatory supervision.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed.

Comments should be directed to Laura McElroy, General Counsel, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 13401, Austin, Texas, 78711. Written comments from the general public should be received within 30 days of the publication of this amendment.

The amendment is proposed under Article 42.18, §6A(c)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure, Article, to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.036(c)(1); and under Article 42.18, §8(g), to be recodified effective September 1, 1999, as §508.044(d), Government Code. Both of these statutes provide specific rulemaking authority for the Policy Board of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

There is no cross-reference to the proposed amended rule.

§149.5.Annual Report Status.

(a)

Annual report status is a mandatory supervision releasee status which releases the releasee from the original terms and conditions of mandatory supervision, releases the releasee from direct supervision of a parole officer, and is conditional upon the mandatory supervision releasee's acceptance of and compliance with the annual report rules.

(b)

A mandatory supervision releasee shall not [ may ] be considered for annual report status [ upon the evaluation and recommendation of his or her parole officer after having been satisfactorily under mandatory supervision for a reasonable time ].

[(c)

A recommendation for transfer to annual report status must be approved by the supervisor of the region of the Division of Parole Supervision in which the mandatory releasee is under active supervision at the time of the recommendation.]

[(d)

Transfer to annual report status in no way affects the authority of a parole panel to recommend the revocation of mandatory supervision. The releasee remains subject to the jurisdiction of the board and subject to its orders while on annual report status.]

(c)

[ (e) ] A parole panel may, at its discretion and without notice, set aside any previous [ an ] order of transfer to annual report and impose any additional rules of mandatory supervision as the parole panel may deem to be proper.

[(f)

The rules for a mandatory supervision releasee on annual report are as follows.]

[(1)

Each year, from the date of the acceptance of the order for annual report, the releasee will submit, in writing, to the regional supervisor of the region of parole supervision, a report showing his or her current employment and residence. This annual report will be made until the term of his or her mandatory supervision expires. Failure to submit this report each year could result in the releasee being returned to active mandatory supervision, or the issuance of a prerevocation warrant for his or her arrest and possible return to the Texas Department of Corrections.]

[(2)

The releasee will obey all federal, state, and municipal laws and ordinances.]

[(3)

The releasee will not communicate with any inmate of a penal institution nor visit any such institution, except as provided in §149.4 of this title (relating to Visits to Penal Institutions).]

[(4)

The releasee will not own, possess, use, sell, nor have under his or her control any firearm, prohibited weapon, or illegal weapon; nor shall he or she unlawfully carry any weapon; nor use, attempt, or threaten to use any tool; implement, or object to cause or threaten to cause any bodily injury.]

[(5)

The releasee will report, in writing, the fact of any arrest, or change of residential address within five days of its occurrence, to the supervisor of the region of the Division of Parole Supervision in the region where releasee was residing when first placed on annual report.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904560

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1883


Part XI. Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Chapter 343. Standards for Juvenile Pre-Adjudication Secure Detention Facilities

37 TAC §343.8, §343.9

The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission proposes an amendment to §343.8 concerning single and multiple occupancy sleeping units and §343.9 concerning security and control in multiple occupancy sleeping units. The amendments are being proposed in an effort to alleviate some of the problems associated with overcrowding in detention facilities while maintaining certain space and supervision requirements.

Maribeth Powers, Director of Field Services, has determined that for the first five year period the amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government or small businesses as a result of enforcement or implementation.

Ms. Powers has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcement or implementation will be primarily cost savings in construction of detention facilities and an increase in approved population capacity. There will be no impact on small business or individuals as a result of the amendments.

Public comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Maribeth Powers at the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, P.O. Box 13547, Austin, Texas 78711-3547.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Human Resources Code §141.042, which provides the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission with the authority to adopt reasonable rules that provide minimum standards for juvenile boards and that are necessary to provide adequate and effective probation services.

No other rule or standard is affect by these amendments.

§343.8. Physical Plant.

(a)

(No change).

(b)

The following standards shall apply to all detention facilities except for hold over detention facilities.

(1)

Sleeping units. [ Sleeping rooms shall be utilized as single occupancy, except for all juvenile detention facilities designed for multiple occupancy, and operating as such, prior to September 1, 1996. Sleeping rooms shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven and one-half feet and a minimum of 60 square feet of floor space. Juveniles held in sleeping rooms shall have access to a toilet above floor level, a wash basin, drinking water, running water, and a bed above floor level. There shall be separate sleeping rooms for male and female juveniles. ]

(A)

Single Occupancy Sleeping Units. Sleeping rooms shall be utilized as single occupancy, except for all juvenile detention facilities designed for multiple occupancy. Sleeping rooms shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven and one-half feet and a minimum of 60 square feet of floor space. Juveniles held in sleeping rooms shall have access to a toilet above floor level, a wash basin, drinking water, running water, and a bed above floor level. There shall be separate sleeping rooms for male and female juveniles.

(B)

Multiple Occupancy Sleeping Units.

(i)

The capacity of multiple occupancy sleeping units shall not exceed twenty-five per cent of the TJPC total rated bed capacity of the facility. No fewer than four nor more than eight juveniles shall be housed in each multiple occupancy sleeping unit. Separate units shall be provided for male and female residents.

(ii)

Multiple occupancy sleeping units shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven and one half feet with a minimum of thirty-five square feet of floor space per resident.

(iii)

Juveniles held in multiple occupancy sleeping units shall have immediate access to a toilet (ratio of one toilet per four juveniles), a wash basin (ratio of one wash basin per four juveniles), drinking water, and a bed above floor level. Bunk beds are not allowed.

(iv)

Juveniles are not to be admitted to multiple occupancy sleeping units directly from the intake process. Classification, screening, and behavioral observation must occur for 24 hours before the decision is made to admit the juvenile to a multiple occupancy sleeping unit.

(v)

Juveniles in multiple occupancy sleeping units shall be under constant personal visual supervision by a detention officer.

(2)-(7)

(No change).

(8)

Common activity area. Total common activity area [ space for day rooms, classrooms, dining rooms, and recreation rooms ] shall encompass no less than 100 square feet of floor space per juvenile. Common activity areas are defined as areas to which juveniles have access and in which activities are conducted. These areas include but are not limited to dayrooms, dining rooms, covered recreation areas, recreation rooms, education rooms, counseling rooms, testing rooms, visitation areas, and medical or dental rooms.

(9)-(12)

(No change).

§343.9. Security and Control.

(a)-(b)

(No change).

(c)

Written policy, procedure and practice of the following standards shall apply to all detention facilities that utilized multiple occupancy sleeping units.

(1)

Classification Plan. Facilities with multiple occupancy sleeping units shall have a classification plan that determines how juveniles are grouped in said units. Juveniles shall be classified for grouping by age, gender, offense, behavior, and special conditions approved by TJPC.

(2)

Screening Plan. Juveniles shall be psychologically, medically, and behaviorally screened prior to placement in a multiple occupancy sleeping unit. Juveniles with the following indicators shall not be allowed admittance to multiple occupancy sleeping units:

(A)

Medical illness

(B)

Mental illness

(C)

Mental retardation

(D)

Sex offenders

(E)

Exploitive, victimizing behavior

(F)

Violent, explosive, assaultive behavior

(G)

Suicidal/self abusive

(H)

Chronic detention rule violators; or

(I)

Any other behavior or condition which could impose a threat to self or others safety and health.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 29, 1999.

TRD-9904561

Steve Bonnell

Deputy Executive Director

Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 12, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6681