TITLE public-safety-and-corrections

Part IX. Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Chapter 257. Construction Approval Rules

37 TAC §257.11

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards proposes new §257.11, concerning construction approval rules.

During the meeting of November 16, 1998 to discuss proposed changes to construction rules, there was a concern that the current standards did not indicate when the changes would become effective. The proposed new section will indicate that facilities in planning or construction prior to the effective date of the standards adoption will not have to comply with the new changes.

This section is part of the agency review process in accordance with the Appropriations Act of 1997, House Bill 1, Article IX, §167.

Jack E. Crump, executive director, Texas Commission on Jail Standards, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Crump 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 clarification that facilities in planning or construction prior to the effective date of the standards adoption will not have to comply with the new changes. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lynn Weatherby, Texas Commission on Jail Standards, P.O. Box 12985, Austin, Texas, 78711.

The new section is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 511, §511.009(1), which provides the Texas Commission on Jail Standards with the authority to adopt reasonable rules and procedures establishing minimum standards for the construction, equipment, maintenance and operation of county jails.

The Local Government Code, Chapter 351, §351.002 and §351.015 are affected by this proposal.

§257.11.Facilities Exempt from New Standard Requirements.

Facilities completed, under construction or plans received by the Commission prior to adoption of changes to Construction Standards, Chapter 259 of this title (relating to New Construction Rules) as indicated by the effective date are exempt from new standard requirements.

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 January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900050

Jack E. Crump

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5505