Opinion No.

Mr. Robert O. Viterna Executive Director Commission on Jail Standards P. O. Box 12985 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Whether county holding rooms in separate court building are part of jail

Dear Mr. Viterna:

You ask whether the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has the authority to require that holding cells in county facilities, separate and distinct from the county jail, comply with minimum jail standards.

Article 2351, V.T.C.S., enumerates the general powers and responsibilities of the county commissioners and requires that they `provide and keep in repair court houses, jails and all necessary…