The Texas Legislature created the Commission on Jail Standards in 1975 to implement a declared state policy that all county jail facilities conform to minimum standards of construction, maintenance and operation. In 1983, the Texas Legislature expanded the jurisdiction of the commission to include county and municipal jails operated under vendor contract. In 1991, the Texas Legislature added the requirement for count, payment, and transfer of inmates when precipitated by crowded conditions as well as expanding the commission's role of consultation and technical assistance. In 1993, the legislative function expanded the role of the commission again by requiring that it provide consultation and technical assistance for the State Jail program. In 1997, the Texas legislature affirmed that counties, municipalities and private vendors housing out-of-state inmates are within the commission's jurisdiction. It is the duty of the commission to promulgate reasonable written rules and procedures establishing minimum standards, inspection procedures, enforcement policies and technical assistance for:
  (1) the construction, equipment, maintenance, and operation of jail facilities under its jurisdiction;
  (2) the custody, care and treatment of inmates;
  (3) programs of rehabilitation, education, and recreation for inmates confined in county and municipal jail facilities under its jurisdiction.

Source Note: The provisions of this §251.1 adopted to be effective December 27, 1994, 19 TexReg 9878; amended to be effective September 2, 1997, 22 TexReg 8404.