88R8128 MZM-D
By: Garcia H.B. No. 3375
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to access to communication services for inmates and state
jail defendants.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 493, Government Code, is amended by
adding Section 493.035 to read as follows:
Sec. 493.035. ACCESS TO COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR
OFFENDERS. (a) In this section, "offender" means an inmate or
state jail defendant confined in a facility operated by or under
contract with the department.
(b) The department shall adopt a policy regarding access by
offenders to communication services. The policy:
(1) must allow an offender to make domestic telephone
calls with a duration of up to 30 minutes per call to persons on the
offender's approved calling list at no cost to the offender or the
person receiving the call;
(2) may not limit the total number of telephone calls
that are at no cost under Subdivision (1); and
(3) if the offender is eligible for remote video
visitation, must provide that the visit is at no cost to the
offender or the person visiting the offender.
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2023, the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice shall adopt the policy required by
Section 493.035, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.