Texas House Bill HB353

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/22
• Out of House Committee: 4/19/23

Caption

Relating to parole determinations and individual treatment plans for inmates.

Impact

If enacted, HB 353 would significantly reshape how the parole process operates by requiring individualized treatment plans for each inmate upon their admission to the TDCJ. Regular assessments will also be necessary to ensure that the plans are updated in alignment with the inmates' progress toward rehabilitation. Moreover, the bill requires the parole board to take into account the established treatment plans when making decisions regarding parole eligibility, which could help to foster a more rehabilitative atmosphere within the state’s correctional facilities.

Summary

House Bill 353 aims to enhance the parole determination process and ensure that individual treatment plans are strategically established for inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The bill mandates that parole panels provide written explanations for their decisions, which will now include specific actions that inmates must undertake to rectify issues leading to their denial of parole. The intention is to streamline the path towards rehabilitation by clearly communicating the necessary steps an inmate must take to improve their chances for future parole approval.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 353 was supportive, particularly among advocacy groups focused on criminal justice reform and rehabilitation. Stakeholders from organizations such as Texas Cure expressed enthusiasm for the bill, emphasizing its potential for advancing inmates' rights and enhancing public safety through improved rehabilitation strategies. However, some concerns were raised regarding the implementation of these changes and whether sufficient resources would be allocated to effectively support these new mandates.

Contention

Despite the overall support for HB 353, there were discussions surrounding the feasibility of its provisions. Critics of the bill highlighted potential challenges in the establishment and monitoring of individual treatment plans, raising questions about the capacity of the TDCJ to implement such extensive changes effectively. Additionally, there were worries over whether the bill would lead to substantial improvements in the actual rehabilitation of inmates or merely remain as a procedural adjustment without meaningful impact.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 508. Parole And Mandatory Supervision
  • Section: 1411
  • Section: 144
  • Section: 1445
  • Section: 152
  • Section: 1411
  • Section: 144
  • Section: 1445
  • Section: 152