Bill > SB182

This bill amends Section 501.027 of the Government Code to enhance program accessibility for female inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The bill requires TDCJ to develop policies that increase female inmates' access to a wide range of programs, including parenting classes, educational, vocational, substance use treatment, rehabilitation, life skills training, and prerelease programs. Specifically, the bill mandates that each facility must make these programs available to female inmates within 45 days of their arrival, ensure equitable program opportunities comparable to those offered to male inmates (including master's level education courses), and ensure that vocational programs and certifications are relevant to current workforce demands. The bill also maintains a requirement for TDCJ to submit an annual written report to state leadership detailing the policies created, modified, or eliminated to support these program accessibility goals, as well as a comprehensive list of programs available to female inmates. Importantly, the bill stipulates that expanding program access for female inmates cannot come at the expense of reducing or limiting male inmates' existing program access. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB182