Texas House Bill HB2385

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to testing discharged or released inmates for communicable diseases and any life-threatening diseases or conditions.

Impact

The implementation of HB2385 is designed to enhance public health measures within the state's corrections system. By requiring inmates to be tested for communicable and life-threatening diseases before their release, it allows for better management of potential health risks within the community. This change aims to prevent the spread of diseases that might arise from individuals who have not been properly screened before reintegrating into society, which can be particularly crucial in settings where health challenges are prevalent.

Summary

House Bill 2385 introduces new requirements for testing inmates who are being discharged or released on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon. This legislation mandates that prior to their release, inmates must be tested for communicable diseases as well as any life-threatening diseases or conditions. The bill's main objective is to ensure that individuals re-entering society do not pose a health risk, thereby protecting public health and safety.

Contention

While the intention behind HB2385 is to safeguard public health, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness and logistics of testing procedures. Some stakeholders might raise questions about the resources required for implementing such testing on a large scale, and whether such measures could lead to stigma for those tested. Furthermore, discussions may arise about the adequacy of healthcare services provided within the correctional system, as well as the necessity of testing in mitigating health risks compared to potential privacy violations for inmates.