Bill > HB5525

This bill, known as the Youth Parole Reform Act, introduces comprehensive new guidelines for parole consideration of inmates who committed offenses before turning 18 years old. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles must develop specialized parole guidelines that prioritize rehabilitation, educational attainment, mental health treatment, and reintegration support for these young offenders. When considering parole, panels must now evaluate the inmate's age at the time of the offense, demonstrating an understanding that youth have diminished culpability and greater capacity for personal growth compared to adults. The new procedures require panels to consider factors like the inmate's rehabilitation progress, educational achievements, psychological evaluations, and input from professionals and family members. The board must also create a comprehensive reintegration plan and annually report to state leadership on the number of young offenders considered for parole, their release and recidivism rates, and recommendations for improving the guidelines. Additionally, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department will provide training to parole board members on best practices for considering parole for these young inmates, with implementation set to begin by September 1, 2026, and the board required to reconsider previously denied parole applications under these new guidelines.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5525