Bill > SB1199

This bill modifies existing Texas law regarding investigations of prisoner deaths in county jails by requiring that when a prisoner dies (except in cases of natural causes confirmed by a physician during an autopsy), the Texas Commission on Jail Standards must appoint an independent law enforcement agency—different from the local law enforcement agency that operates the jail—to investigate the death promptly. The key change is the explicit requirement for an external investigation, which aims to ensure a more objective and impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding a prisoner's death. By mandating that the investigating agency cannot be the same one responsible for operating the jail where the death occurred, the bill seeks to reduce potential conflicts of interest and increase transparency in examining prisoner fatalities. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving relevant agencies time to prepare for the new investigative protocol.