Texas House Bill HB3903

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09

Caption

Relating to county contracts with private entities for jail facilities; providing a penalty.

Impact

In addition to establishing these requirements, the bill introduces penalties for county employees who accept benefits from private organizations contracting with the county. Such an offense is classified as a state jail felony, emphasizing the legislature's intent to prevent corruption and conflicts of interest in public contracting. This aspect of the law highlights a significant move toward ensuring accountability within government dealings with private sector entities.

Summary

House Bill 3903 aims to regulate how counties in Texas can contract with private entities for jail facilities. It modifies Section 351.101 of the Local Government Code to stipulate that any contract for placing inmates in private detention facilities must be approved by the county's sheriff and requires a public hearing to be held in each commissioners precinct. This process aims to foster transparency and allow public input regarding county decisions related to incarceration and detention practices.

Contention

The bill's provisions surrounding openness and accountability represent a major shift in the governance of county contracts. By mandating public hearings and prohibiting personal benefits for county officers involved in these contracts, the bill seeks to address concerns about ethical governance, particularly in the face of controversies surrounding the privatization of jail facilities. Notable points of contention include the feasibility and effectiveness of such oversight measures and the potential impact on existing county contracts that may not comply with the new regulations.