Texas Senate Bill SB2263

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/11/25

Caption

Relating to certain duties regarding county jail prisoners confined in out-of-state correctional facilities.

Impact

Additionally, SB2263 requires each county jail to compile annual reports detailing the number of prisoners confined in out-of-state correctional facilities. These reports must include statistics on total confinements, deaths, and escape attempts. The annual submission of these reports to the commission enhances oversight and provides valuable data to state officials and legislators to ensure the safe treatment of prisoners beyond state lines. The commission is also responsible for summarizing the findings and presenting them to key state officials, including the governor and legislative committees, thereby maintaining legislative awareness of the situation concerning out-of-state prisoners.

Summary

Senate Bill 2263 introduces important regulatory measures concerning county jail prisoners who are confined in out-of-state correctional facilities. The bill mandates that in the unfortunate event of a prisoner’s death while under such confinement, the justice of the peace in the respective county precinct must conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death. This inquiry must be documented with a report submitted to the attorney general within thirty days, ensuring that all relevant facts are collected and included in the report. This aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding the treatment of prisoners outside their home state.

Conclusion

In summary, SB2263 represents a significant step toward improving the management and oversight of county jail prisoners confined out-of-state. By enforcing rigorous reporting and inquiry requirements, it aims to protect prisoner rights and ensure that state-level authorities are informed of any concerning incidents. The implications for county operations and potential challenges in implementation will be crucial areas for ongoing discussion as the bill advances.

Contention

While the bill is likely to improve oversight, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden it imposes on county jails. Some might argue that requiring detailed reporting could strain local resources, particularly in smaller counties. Additionally, debates may arise surrounding how effectively these inquiries will be conducted and whether they will truly lead to accountability or simply become procedural formalities. Stakeholders may push for clarity on the resources and methodology to be employed in these inquiries to avoid inconsistencies in the information gathered.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 49. Inquests Upon Dead Bodies
  • Section: 18

Government Code

• Chapter 511. Commission On Jail Standards
  • Section: New Section