Texas House Bill HB1148

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from charging an inmate a fee for health care.

Impact

If passed, HB1148 would significantly impact state laws governing the financial responsibilities of inmates regarding health care services. The bill seeks to amend existing regulations by preventing the Department from charging inmates for healthcare, which could help improve health outcomes within correctional facilities. Supporters of the bill argue that healthcare should be a fundamental right, not contingent upon a person's financial situation, especially for individuals already facing the challenges of incarceration.

Summary

House Bill 1148 aims to eliminate the fees currently imposed on inmates for accessing healthcare within facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Prior to this bill, inmates were required to pay a fee of $13.55 for each health care visit, with annual caps and deductions from trust funds. The proposed legislation asserts that no inmate should be charged for health care, ensuring that access is not hindered by financial constraints. This change reflects an ongoing discussion about the rights of inmates and their ability to receive adequate medical care while incarcerated.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill may face opposition from those concerned about the financial implications for state budgets that fund correctional facilities. Critics might argue that healthcare services should not come at the taxpayers' expense when inmates can be expected to contribute to their costs. The balance between providing necessary healthcare and managing the operational costs of correctional facilities will likely be a contentious point of debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.