By: Turner of Harris, Marquez H.B. No. 2161
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the issuance of a personal identification certificate
to present or former inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 501.015(a), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) When an inmate is discharged or is released on parole,
mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon, the department
[institutional division] shall provide the inmate with:
(1) suitable civilian clothing;
(2) money held in the inmate's trust account by the
director; [and]
(3) cash, in an amount and in the manner described by
Subsection (b); and
(4) a personal identification certificate obtained
under Section 501.0165, if available.
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 501.0165 to read as follows:
Sec. 501.0165. STATE-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION; NECESSARY
DOCUMENTATION. (a) Before discharging an inmate or releasing an
inmate on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon, the
department shall:
(1) determine whether the inmate has:
(A) a valid license issued under Chapter 521 or
522, Transportation Code; or
(B) a valid personal identification certificate
issued under Chapter 521, Transportation Code; and
(2) if the inmate does not have a valid license or
certificate described by Subdivision (1), submit to the Department
of Public Safety on behalf of the inmate a request for the issuance
of a personal identification certificate under Chapter 521,
Transportation Code.
(b) The department shall submit a request under Subsection
(a)(2) as soon as is practicable to enable the department to provide
the inmate with the personal identification certificate when the
department discharges or releases the inmate.
(c) The department, the Department of Public Safety, and the
bureau of vital statistics of the Department of State Health
Services shall by rule adopt a memorandum of understanding that
establishes their respective responsibilities with respect to the
issuance of a personal identification certificate to an inmate,
including responsibilities related to verification of the inmate's
identity.
(d) The department shall reimburse the Department of Public
Safety or the Department of State Health Services for any costs
incurred by those agencies in performing responsibilities
established under this section.
(e) This section does not apply to an inmate who:
(1) is not legally present in the United States; or
(2) was not a resident of this state before the person
was placed in the custody of the department.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.