Bill > HB4620

This bill modifies existing Texas law to enhance program accessibility for female inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Specifically, the bill requires the department to develop policies that increase female inmates' access to new self-study programs focusing on parenting, healing from trauma, and financial literacy, and ensures these programs are available to all female inmates across different facility types, including state jail felony facilities. The bill mandates that these programs must be made available within 45 days of an inmate's arrival and must be accessible regardless of the inmate's offense, sentence, mental health record, or behavior. Additionally, the bill requires TDCJ to submit an annual report to state leadership detailing policies created or modified to meet these requirements and listing the programs available to female inmates, which must also be published on the department's website. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with the department expected to develop and implement the necessary policies as soon as practicable after the act's effective date, while ensuring that male inmates' program access is not reduced in the process.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4620