87R771 JG-D
By: Miles S.B. No. 354
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to access to postsecondary courses or programs for inmates
of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 495, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 495.029 to read as follows:
Sec. 495.029. PROVISION OF POSTSECONDARY COURSES OR
PROGRAMS TO INMATES. (a) In this section, "institution of higher
education" and "private or independent institution of higher
education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education
Code.
(b) The board may contract with an institution of higher
education or a private or independent institution of higher
education to provide postsecondary courses or postsecondary degree
or certificate programs to inmates confined in a facility operated
by or under contract with the department. The contract must ensure
that inmates are able to earn academic credit for a course or
program offered by an institution under the contract and that the
credit is transferable to other public or private institutions of
higher education in this state.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.