Bill > HB3721

This bill, known as the Restrictive Housing / Solitary Confinement Standards and Reporting Act, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) regarding the use of solitary confinement, which is referred to as "restrictive housing" and includes various classifications like G4, G5, STG, ALU, and Death Row. The bill requires TDCJ to collect comprehensive data on solitary confinement practices, including personal information, reasons for placement, program access, staffing ratios, duration of confinement, facility utilization, mental health impacts, and appeal outcomes. The department must submit an annual report to the Legislature tracking progress in improving confinement conditions and standards. The bill defines key terms such as restrictive housing (isolation with limited social interaction and program access), rehabilitative programs, mental health diagnoses, and medical emergencies. TDCJ must ensure data accuracy and timeliness, with potential corrective actions and independent audits for non-compliance. Individuals wrongfully placed in solitary confinement will have legal recourse. The department is required to implement the bill's provisions within six months of enactment, with necessary adjustments to data collection systems, staff training, and reporting protocols, and the act will take effect on September 5, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3721