Bill > SB2839

This bill requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide comprehensive training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health to correctional officers and certain other employees who work directly with inmates. The training, which must be included in initial preservice training and completed annually, will cover critical skills such as effective communication, alternatives to physical restraints, techniques to limit use of force, crisis recognition and prevention, suicide risk awareness, and understanding behavioral health concerns and substance use disorders. The training applies to correctional officers, their direct supervisors, and any other employees who have regular contact with inmates. The bill mandates that TDCJ make this training available to eligible employees by December 1, 2025, and will take effect on September 1, 2025. Named the Jovian Motley Act, the legislation aims to improve interactions between correctional staff and inmates by enhancing their understanding of communication, conflict resolution, and mental health issues.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2839