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Texas Board of Criminal Justice approves rule amendments; posts rules for public comment
Summary
The Texas Board of Criminal Justice voted to publish proposed amendments to multiple Title 37 administrative rules for public comment, including rules on donated buildings for religious and secular programs and community supervision staff definitions.
The Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Thursday approved publication of proposed amendments to multiple administrative rules and directed staff to solicit public comment.
The board voted to publish proposed amendments to Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code section 152.71 (acceptance of gifts related to buildings for religious and secular programs). The proposed changes remove specific language linking donated buildings exclusively to religious or secular programs, require TDCJ to meet with donor groups to evaluate prospective donated buildings or enhancements, and replace references from "offender" to "inmate." Vice Chair Faith Johnson moved to publish the rule; Pastor Nate Sprinkle seconded. The motion passed after an "aye" vote.
The board likewise approved publication of proposed amendments to 37 TAC 163.33 (community supervision staff) and 37 TAC 163.42 (substantial noncompliance). The 163.33 amendment updates the definition of "direct supervision" and cleans up formatting; 163.42 updates an entity name to "Office of the Independent Auditor." Dr. Rodney Burrow moved the 163.33 motion with Judge Molly Francis seconding; Judge Francis moved the 163.42 motion and Burrow seconded; all motions passed on voice votes.
No public comments were received on the posted rule drafts before the meeting, staff said. The board's approval authorizes publication in the Texas Register and begins a public-comment period under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Ending: Board members said the rule on gifts for donated buildings fits with recent chaplaincy and volunteer-initiated projects, including recent groundbreakings and dedication events. The board will consider any public comments before final adoption.
