86R12440 JON-F
By: Reynolds, White H.B. No. 2448
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a strategic plan to reduce recidivism by facilitating
stable employment for persons who are preparing to reenter
communities of this state after incarceration.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 501, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 501.104 to read as follows:
Sec. 501.104. PLAN FOR REDUCING RECIDIVISM BY FACILITATING
STABLE EMPLOYMENT. (a) Not later than December 1, 2020, the
department, in collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission
and the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial
System, shall develop a five-year strategic plan to reduce
recidivism by facilitating stable employment for persons who are
reentering communities of this state after incarceration. The
department shall submit the plan to:
(1) the governor;
(2) the lieutenant governor;
(3) the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(4) the standing committees of the house and senate
primarily responsible for criminal justice issues and corrections
issues.
(b) The strategic plan must include the following
information:
(1) an analysis of data regarding the relationship
between employment and recidivism;
(2) an analysis of data regarding the effect of
incarceration on a person's ability to pay financial obligations,
including fines, fees, court costs, and child support;
(3) an analysis of barriers to employment faced by
persons who are reentering communities of this state after
incarceration;
(4) recommendations on how the comprehensive reentry
and reintegration plan adopted under Section 501.092 should be
amended to support the strategic plan;
(5) recommendations to the legislature for statutory
changes that would allow the department to assist incarcerated
persons in obtaining credits or wages that would reduce any
financial obligations before and after reentry;
(6) an evaluation of opportunities for incarcerated
persons to earn credit toward occupational licenses while
incarcerated; and
(7) a design for a pilot program that would train
incarcerated persons, pay a private sector wage, and deposit a
portion of those wages in an account from which payments for
financial obligations may be withdrawn.
(c) This section expires September 1, 2021.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.