Sec. 511.022.  ADVISORY COMMITTEE.  (a)  The commission shall establish an advisory committee to advise the commission and make recommendations on matters related to the confinement in county jail of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
(b)  The advisory committee consists of 13 members appointed by the presiding officer of the commission, with the commission's approval, as follows:
(1)  one representative of the commission;
(2)  one representative of the Department of State Health Services;
(3)  one representative of the Health and Human Services Commission with expertise in intellectual and developmental disabilities;
(4)  one representative of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement;
(5)  one representative of the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments;
(6)  one sheriff of a county with a population of 80,000 or more;
(7)  one sheriff of a county with a population of less than 80,000;
(8)  two representatives of statewide organizations that advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
(9)  one representative who is a mental health professional with a focus on trauma and intellectual and developmental disabilities;
(10)  one representative from a state supported living center;
(11)  one member who has an intellectual or developmental disability or whose family member has an intellectual or developmental disability; and
(12)  one member who represents the public.
(c)  Members of the advisory committee serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of three or four members expiring January 31 of each odd-numbered year.  If a vacancy occurs during a member's term, the presiding officer of the commission, with the commission's approval, shall appoint a replacement to fill the unexpired term.
(d)  The presiding officer of the commission shall designate one member of the advisory committee to serve as presiding officer of the committee for a two-year term.
(e)  The advisory committee shall:
(1)  gather and review data regarding the confinement in county jails of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and
(2)  provide recommendations and guidelines to sheriffs and counties regarding the confinement of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
(f)  Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the advisory committee shall submit a report that includes recommendations for legislative or other action related to the confinement of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities in county jails to:
(1)  the governor;
(2)  the lieutenant governor;
(3)  the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(4)  each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the commission.
(g)  Chapter 2110 does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the advisory committee or to the designation of the committee's presiding officer.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 708 (H.B. 2831), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.