As the Lege inexorably drags toward the end of the session, the excitement is all about the “down to the wire” bills. However, some stillborn legislation that was never even heard in committee should be remembered for just one second.
What is it? House Bill 221, sponsored by Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford.
What would it do? Create permanent tent prisons. Currently, Texas can house prisoners in tents temporarily; this bill orders the Commission on Jail Standards to set rules on housing prisoners in a “tent or other facility that [is] not a county jail.” Hey, it’s just taking the word temporary out of there. One word, how big a deal can that be?
Why would it be good? Erm … the fresh air would do them good?
What are the odds of it passing? None whatsoever. Lurking and unloved in House Corrections since Jan. 31, this always had “constitutional violation,” “enforcement nightmare,” and “flat-out bad plan” written all over it. Bad luck for everyone’s favorite Ned Flanders’ look-alike.
This article appears in May 4 • 2007.
