Texas House Bill HB812

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the amount of the health care services fee paid by certain inmates.

Impact

The implementation of HB 812 has significant implications for how health care services are accessed by inmates in Texas. By capping the annual fee, the bill seeks to safeguard inmates from potentially prohibitive costs while simultaneously providing health care services that are crucial for their well-being. This change is meant to improve the overall health outcomes of inmates and possibly contribute to smoother reintegration into society upon release, as maintaining health care during incarceration is key to reducing recidivism.

Summary

House Bill 812 focuses on amending the health care services fee applicable to certain inmates in facilities operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill sets the fee for an inmate-initiated visit to a health care provider at $13.55 per visit and stipulates that an inmate cannot be required to pay more than $100 within a state fiscal year. This restructuring of fee obligations aims to balance the costs of health services for inmates while ensuring that financial burdens do not excessively impact their access to necessary care.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 812 reflects a generally positive reception among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous support in voting both in the House and Senate. Supporters argue that the bill represents a compassionate approach to inmate care, acknowledging that managing health issues is critical for rehabilitation. However, there are also underlying concerns among advocates about the adequacy of health care services provided in prisons, despite the positive changes the bill proposes.

Contention

While HB 812 passed with widespread support, it does raise questions regarding the adequacy of medical care provided to inmates overall. Critics express that while the fee adjustments are a step in the right direction, they do not address broader issues pertaining to the quality and access of health services within the incarcerated population. This highlights a potential gap between the bill's provisions and the actual health care needs of inmates, prompting discussions on further reforms necessary for achieving comprehensive improvements in inmate health care.