Texas Senate Bill SB1833

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to post-release housing for inmates released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

Impact

The bill establishes new protocols for identifying inmates in need of post-release housing and mandates the creation of a needs assessment to target those who would benefit from temporary housing. Furthermore, it creates a Reentry Housing Task Force responsible for developing standards for these housing options and evaluating the current implementation strategies. This initiative is expected to shift the responsibility and methodology for assisting inmates into community settings rather than maintaining them in residential correctional facilities, potentially reducing overcrowding.

Summary

SB1833 aims to enhance post-release housing options for inmates released on parole or mandated supervision by amending specific sections of the Government Code related to housing strategies. The bill allows the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to provide temporary housing payments to eligible inmates who lack a stable housing plan post-release. This measure seeks to prioritize the reduction of confinement duration for inmates and create pathways to successful reintegration into the community by focusing on securing adequate housing options before their release.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes a requirement for the task force to assess the adequacy of housing resources available to releasees, creating a structured approach to address potential homelessness among this population. However, some debates may arise regarding funding for housing initiatives and the effectiveness of the proposed temporary housing payments versus traditional incarceration. The ongoing evaluation of the task force's findings will also highlight how well these strategies resonate with the needs of the populations they are intended to serve.