Texas House Bill HB1979

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the confinement of inmates by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in facilities operated by private vendors.

Impact

By enacting this bill, Texas would see a significant shift in how inmate housing is managed. The move away from private vendor-operated facilities is aimed at enhancing oversight and accountability within the correctional system. Supporters of the bill argue that privatization can lead to compromises in inmate welfare and safety, essentially pushing for public management as a means to uphold higher standards of care and rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. This legislative action could also align with broader criminal justice reform efforts focusing on the humane treatment of inmates and the dismantling of profit-driven incarceration models.

Summary

House Bill 1979 is a legislative proposal focusing on the housing of inmates within the Texas correctional system. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit the confinement of inmates by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in facilities that are operated or managed by private vendors. The bill amends the Government Code, adding sections that explicitly forbid the housing of specific categories of inmates in such private facilities, which includes inmates sentenced to imprisonment in the department and certain other classifications under the law. However, the bill does provide exceptions for residential correctional facilities defined under existing statutes.

Contention

Notably, the introduction of HB 1979 will likely spur debates on the efficacy of private versus public prison management. Critics of the bill may argue that eliminating private facilities could exacerbate issues related to overcrowding in public prisons, as they are often already stretched thin. Additionally, opponents may express concerns about the financial implications for the state if a full transition away from privatization is pursued, particularly considering current budget constraints. The bill thus stands at a crossroads of public sentiment and practical concerns regarding the future of California's correctional system.