Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1321

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to discharging or releasing inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at or near certain department facilities.

Impact

With the implementation of SB1321, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is required to create and uphold a local and regional discharge procedure by September 1, 2009. By ensuring that inmates are released closer to their original facilities, the bill seeks to facilitate the reintegration of former inmates into their communities. This could potentially lead to improved outcomes for released individuals, such as better access to support services, family ties, and resources that enhance their transition back to society.

Summary

SB1321 proposes new regulations regarding the discharge and release of inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The key provision of the bill mandates that inmates being discharged or released on parole are to be released from the facility where they served their sentence or from a designated regional release facility located 75 miles or fewer from that facility. This bill aims to streamline the release process and improve the logistics involved in the discharge of inmates.

Contention

However, there are potential points of contention surrounding the effectiveness of the bill. Critics may argue that merely changing the location of inmate release does not address the underlying issues of recidivism or the lack of rehabilitation resources available post-release. The success of this measure will ultimately depend on the availability of adequate support systems and resources to assist newly released individuals in their transition to freedom.

Overall_context

The bill's establishment of regional release facilities aims to reduce transportation burdens and create a smoother process for discharging inmates, which may promote timely reintegration. However, stakeholders in criminal justice reform may scrutinize whether it genuinely leads to reduced recidivism, or if additional legislative measures are necessary to support comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.

Companion Bills

TX HB2289

Very Similar Relating to discharging or releasing inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at or near certain department facilities.

Previously Filed As

TX HB607

Relating to the solicitation of pen pals by certain inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB1539

Relating to program accessibility for female inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX SB151

Relating to the possession of certain photographs and images by inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB4450

Relating to the establishment of an adult high school pilot program for certain inmates and defendants in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB3739

Relating to the medical transportation and care for certain inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX SB1146

Relating to the medical transportation and care for certain inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB967

Relating to program accessibility for female inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB2646

Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX SB2296

Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB477

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.