TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 5. TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES

Chapter 141. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subchapter A. BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES

37 TAC §141.1, §141.3

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §141.1 and §141.3, concerning the scope of authority of the board and its presiding officer. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10887). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The amended rules are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 141, General Provisions. The function of both amended rules is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004).

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as giving the Policy Board the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400371

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


37 TAC §141.2

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts the repeal of 37 TAC §141.2, concerning the number of members that constitutes a quorum of the policy board. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10889). The text of the repeal will not be republished.

The repeal is adopted to allow the identical information to be placed in 37 TAC §141.3, relating to board administration. The repeal is adopted in conjunction with the agency's review of Chapter 141 and in accordance with the requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.039. The board has determined that the reason for adoption of the rule does not continue to exist.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeal of the rule.

The repeal is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400377

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Subchapter B. RULEMAKING

37 TAC §141.57

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §141.57, concerning board procedures for petitions for rule adoptions. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10889). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amended rule is adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 141, General Provisions. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by deleting references to the "policy board."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036 and §508.082, Government Code. The board interprets §508.036 as giving the Policy Board the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes, and §508.082 as giving the board the authority to adopt rules relating to the submission and presentation of information and arguments to the board.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400370

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Subchapter D. REGISTRATION OF VISITORS AND FEE AFFIDAVITS

37 TAC §141.81

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts an amendment to 37 TAC §141.81, concerning board procedures for registering visitors to board offices. The amendment is adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10890). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amended rule is adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 141, General Provisions. The function of the amendment is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by including "parole commissioner" where applicable.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as giving the Policy Board the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes, and §508.082, Government Code, which the board interprets as giving the board the authority to adopt rules relating to the submission and presentation of information and arguments to the Board.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400369

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Subchapter E. INTERVIEWS

37 TAC §141.91

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §141.91, concerning board procedures for interviewing. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10891). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 141, General Provisions. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by including "parole commissioner" where applicable.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036 and §508.082, Government Code. The board interprets §508.036 as giving the Policy Board the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes. The board interprets §508.082 as giving the Board the authority to adopt rules relating to the submission and presentation of information and arguments to the Board.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400368

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


37 TAC §141.94

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts the repeal of 37 TAC §141.94, concerning decisions made during interviews. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10891). The text of the repeal will not be republished.

The repeal is adopted to bring the rules into compliance with current board practice. The repeal is adopted in conjunction with the agency's review of Chapter 141 and in accordance with the requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.039. The board has determined that the reason for adoption of the rule does not continue to exist.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeal of the rule.

The repeal is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400378

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Subchapter F. SUBPOENAS

37 TAC §141.101

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §141.101, concerning board procedures for issuing subpoenas. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10891). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 141, General Provisions. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by deleting references to the "policy board."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400367

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


37 TAC §141.102

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts the repeal of 37 TAC §141.102, concerning serving and enforcing subpoenas. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10892). The text of the repeal will not be republished.

The repeal is adopted to eliminate duplicative wording from the rules. The repeal is adopted in conjunction with the agency's review of Chapter 141 and in accordance with the requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.039. The board has determined that the reason for adoption of the rule does not continue to exist.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeal of the rule.

The repeal is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400379

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Chapter 145. PAROLE

Subchapter A. PAROLE PROCESS

37 TAC §§145.1, 145.9, 145.16, 145.17

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §§145.1, 145.9, 145.16 and 145.17, concerning parole considerations. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10892). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 145, Parole. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by replacing "board" with "parole panel" where applicable, and by adding "parole commissioner" where applicable. Another function of the amendments is to replace "inmate" with the preferred term, "offender."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes, and §508.044, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the eligibility of an inmate for release on parole or mandatory supervision.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400366

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


37 TAC §§145.3, 145.12 - 145.15

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §145.3 and §§145.12 - 145.15, concerning parole decisions. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10894). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 145, Parole. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (§508.141, subsection (g), Government Code (Senate Bill 917, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, effective June 18, 2003)) establishing time periods for considering offenders for release after denial; to conform to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by adding the term "parole commissioner" where applicable; and to conform to statutory law by updating the name of a Texas Department of Criminal Justice division. Another function of the amendments is to replace "inmate" or "prisoner" with the preferred term, "offender," and to replace "special needs parole" with the updated term, "Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes, and §508.044, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the eligibility of an inmate for release on parole or mandatory supervision.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400365

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Subchapter B. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PAROLE

37 TAC §145.21

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §145.21, concerning parole in absentia. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10897). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 145, Parole. The function of the amendments is to update the name of a division in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and to replace "prisoner" and "administrative releasee" with the preferred term, "offender."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes, and §508.044, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to the eligibility of an inmate for release on parole or mandatory supervision.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400364

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Chapter 146. REVOCATION OF PAROLE OR MANDATORY SUPERVISION

37 TAC §146.6, §146.8

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §146.6 and §146.8, concerning the scheduling of preliminary and revocation hearings. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10897). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 146, Revocation of Parole or Mandatory Supervision. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (§508.282, Government Code (Senate Bill 880, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, effective September 1, 2003)), which changed the number of days allowed for disposition of certain charges regarding a violation of parole or other forms of release from prison.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes and §508.044, Government Code, which the board interprets as giving the Policy Board the authority to adopt rules relating to the conduct of hearings.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400363

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Chapter 147. HEARINGS

Subchapter A. GENERAL RULES FOR HEARINGS

37 TAC §§147.1, 147.2, 147.5

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §§147.1, 147.2, and 147.5, concerning hearings and the authority of hearing officers. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10898). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 147, Hearings. The function of the amendments is to make non-substantive changes to the wording of the board rules.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes and §508.044, Government Code, which the board interprets as giving the Policy Board the authority to adopt rules relating to the conduct of hearings.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400376

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


37 TAC §147.3

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §147.3, concerning communicating the facts or laws from a hearing to all the parties involved. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10899). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 147, Hearings. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) by amending the list of individuals who render hearing decisions.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes and §508.044, Government Code, which the board interprets as giving the Policy Board the authority to adopt rules relating to the conduct of hearings.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400375

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Chapter 150. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND BOARD POLICY STATEMENTS

Subchapter A. PUBLISHED POLICIES OF THE BOARD

37 TAC §150.56

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC §150.56, concerning the administration of the agency. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 5, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10899). The text of the rule will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to incorporate new language under Chapter 150, Memorandum of Understanding and Board Policy Statements. The function of the amendments is to conform the board's rules to new statutory law (House Bill 7, Acts of the 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2003, effective January 11, 2004) and to replace the term "chairperson" with the preferred term, "presiding officer."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which the board interprets as providing the Policy Board with the authority to promulgate rules relating to the board's decision-making processes.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400374

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: December 5, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 406-5388


Part 6. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Chapter 151. GENERAL PROVISIONS

37 TAC §151.4

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice adopts the amendment to §151.4, concerning Presentations to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice without changes to the text as proposed in the October 10, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 8829).

The purpose of the amendment is to provide the opportunity for public presentations to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on topics that are subject to the Board's jurisdiction but are not posted for deliberation.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §492.013, which grants general rulemaking authority to the Board and §492.007, which requires the Board to provide access and public comment on issues within the jurisdiction of the board, as well as Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, the Open Meetings Act.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, and §492.007.

Cross Reference to Statutes: Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, and §492.007.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400381

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: October 10, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-0422


37 TAC §151.8

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice adopts the amendment to §151.8, concerning Advisory Committees without changes to the text as proposed in the November 21, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 10426).

The purpose of the amendment is to establish the identification of the committee's purpose, tasks, and method of reporting travel reimbursement for the members of the Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §2110.005.

Cross Reference to Statutes: Texas Government Code, §2110.005.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400382

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: November 21, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-0422


37 TAC §151.21

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice adopts the amendment to §151.21, concerning Weapons Policy without changes to the text as proposed in the October 10, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 8830).

The purpose of the amendment is to summarize the governing statutes in light of changes by the 78th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (Senate Bill 501 and House Bill 864), and articulate the Board's policy regarding possession of weapons on TDCJ property by peace officers, concealed handgun license holders, and employees of TDCJ.

No comments were received regarding the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Penal Code §§38.11, 46.03, and 46.035; Texas Government Code, §492.013.

Cross Reference to Statutes: Texas Penal Code §§38.11, 46.03, and 46.035.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 16, 2004.

TRD-200400380

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Effective date: February 5, 2004

Proposal publication date: October 10, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-0422