88R11723 MCF-D
By: Garcia H.B. No. 4982
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a veteran housing program established by the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 501, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 501.115 to read as follows:
Sec. 501.115. VETERAN HOUSING PROGRAM. (a) The department
shall establish a housing program for inmates who are veterans of
the United States armed forces. The program must:
(1) dedicate certain cellblocks or dormitories for use
in the program; and
(2) include procedures to:
(A) verify the veteran status of each inmate
during the diagnostic process; and
(B) allow an inmate whose veteran status is
verified to opt in to the housing dedicated for use in the program
under Subdivision (1).
(b) A cellblock or dormitory dedicated for use in the
program under Subsection (a)(1) may, if necessary, be used to house
inmates who are not veterans.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall
establish the program required by Section 501.115, Government Code,
as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.