House Committee on Corrections - 87th R.S. (2021)

Committee Members
Andrew Murr, Chair Alma Allen, Vice Chair Ernest Bailes Dustin Burrows Trey Martinez Fischer	Eddie Rodriguez Carl Sherman, Sr. Bryan Slaton James White
Charges
• Review the existing and anticipated populations in state prisons and city and county jails located near the Texas-Mexico border. Make recommendations for alleviating or addressing any increase or over-crowding that may result as well as any other particularized needs or circumstances that have arisen or could arise as a result of an increase in population in correctional facilities, including, but not limited to, intake capacity, adequacy of facilities and other health and safety considerations. Make recommendations to mitigate any associated costs borne by border counties and municipalities. (Joint charge with Committee on County Affairs)
• Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
• Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 30 87th R.S., relating to educational programs provided by the Windham School District for certain inmates; HB 385 87th R.S., relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant’s period of community supervision; and HB 3227 86th R.S., relating to the availability of and access to certain programs and services for persons in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
• Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
• Examine the implementation of HB 3130 85th R.S., which established an educational and vocational training program for certain state jail felony defendants to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes upon reentry.
• Evaluate the benefits and potential savings associated with modernizing technology throughout the state’s correctional system. Consider updating regulations related to cell phone monitoring, body cameras, and video surveillance systems.
• Evaluate current family visitation rooms and visitation-related practices, programs, and services in TDCJ facilities. Make recommendations regarding any additional measures that TDCJ could take to make visitation more family friendly.
• For individuals in county jails and TDCJ facilities, or on community supervision or parole, examine: The availability of behavioral health services; and The current treatment and recovery options available for those who are experiencing withdrawal from drug or alcohol use. Make recommendations for best practices to address the needs of individuals requiring treatment. (Joint charge with Committee on County Affairs)

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