Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1211

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

Caption

Relating to the provision of medical care to inmates confined by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Impact

If enacted, HB1211 would have significant implications for how healthcare is administered within Texas correctional facilities. It mandates that a competitive bidding process is followed for selecting healthcare providers, ensuring oversight from the Legislative Budget Board on financial expenditure related to inmate healthcare. This could lead to improved healthcare outcomes for inmates, as it opens the process to scrutiny and potentially increases accountability among the service providers engaged in delivering care.

Summary

House Bill 1211 aims to establish provisions for the medical care of inmates confined by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The bill requires TDCJ to issue a request for proposals to provide healthcare services to a specified number of inmates, including a range of physical and mental health needs. The goal is to ensure that inmates receive adequate medical attention while incarcerated, which is critical given the health challenges often presented within the inmate population.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1211 appears to be generally supportive, with recognition of the necessity for improved healthcare services for inmates. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have expressed the view that this legislation is a step towards better health outcomes and rights for incarcerated individuals. However, there may be apprehensions regarding the execution of such healthcare services and whether the contracted providers will meet the expected standards of care.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance medical care provisions, some concerns have been raised regarding the timing and adequacy of the response to the request for proposals. There is also the critical question of funding and whether the necessary budget allocations will be approved, given the need for financial oversight outlined in the bill. Additionally, skeptics may point to potentially inadequate responses from providers that could affect the quality of care delivered to vulnerable inmate populations.

Companion Bills

TX SB1762

Identical Relating to the provision of medical care to inmates confined by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Previously Filed As

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 HB477

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

TX HB2620

Relating to the confinement in a county jail of a person pending a transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to compensation to a county for certain costs of confinement.

TX HB1563

Relating to the confinement in a county jail of a person pending a transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the compensation for certain costs of confinement.

TX SB318

Relating to the confinement in a county jail of a person pending a transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the compensation for certain costs of confinement.

TX HB607

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

TX HB1743

Relating to a memorandum of understanding between the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to assess the eligibility of certain inmates for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits on discharge or release from confinement.

TX HB2935

Relating to veterans placed on community supervision or confined in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB967

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.