By: Meza H.B. No. 3723
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the access of certain individuals in correctional
facilities to certain rehabilitative treatments.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Rehabilitation
Access for Security Threat Group Members Act."
SECTION 2. FINDINGS. The Legislature finds that:
1. Security Threat Groups (STGs) are defined by the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as groups or associations of
inmates whose activities pose a threat to the safety and security of
correctional facilities, staff, and the general public.
2. Rehabilitation programs are critical to reducing
recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.
3. Offen1ers who have committed crimes related to drug or
substance use should have access to rehabilitative programs that
directly relate to their crime of conviction, regardless of their
STG status.
4. Current policies may restrict access to specific
rehabilitative programs for STG members, creating barriers to
education and treatment directly related to their offense.
5. The effective rehabilitation of individuals with
substance abuse issues is a key factor in reducing future criminal
behavior and promoting safer communities.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENT TO TDCJ POLICIES AND PRACTICES:
(a) Mandatory Access to Rehabilitative Programs.
(1) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
shall ensure that all inmates, including those classified as
members of Security Threat Groups (STGs), have equal and
unobstructed access to rehabilitative programs directly related to
their crime of conviction, provided they meet all program
requirements.
(b) Program Relevance to Crime of Conviction. Inmates
convicted of drug or substance-related offenses shall have equal
access to the following types of rehabilitative programs:
(1) Drug and substance use prevention programs;
(2) Drug and substance use rehabilitation programs;
(3) Substance use education programs;
(4) Any other programs designed to address or reduce
the likelihood of future offenses related to drug and substance
abuse.
(c) Non-Discriminatory Access. No individual shall be
denied access to these programs solely on the basis of their STG
status, and all eligible inmates shall have the opportunity to
participate in relevant programs without restriction due to
classification.
SECTION 4. PROGRAM EVALUATION AND REPORTING. (a) The TDCJ
shall, within one year of the passage of this Act, establish an
evaluation and reporting process to monitor the effectiveness of
this policy. The evaluation shall include:
(1) Data on the participation rates of STG members in
rehabilitative programs related to their crime of conviction;
(2) The outcomes of these programs in terms of
substance abuse reduction while in custody;
(3) Any barriers to access that exist for STG members.
(b) The TDCJ shall submit a report to the legislature every
two years detailing the success of the program and any necessary
adjustments or recommendations for improvements.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025 and
applies to all persons incarcerated during and after the passage of
this act.