TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE: ORGANIZATION

Tex. GOV'T Code ch. 493
in effect

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.001. DEPARTMENT MISSION.

The mission of the department is to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.001, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1188, Sec. 1.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.002. DIVISIONS.

(a) The following divisions are within the department: (1) the community justice assistance division; (2) the institutional division; (3) the parole division; and (4) the rehabilitation and reentry division. (b) The board may establish additional divisions within the department as it determines is necessary. (c) Except as provided by Section 493.0052 , the executive director shall hire a director for each division in the department, and each director serves at the pleasure of the executive director. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 988, Sec. 1.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 490, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1360, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1998; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 9.006, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.003. COMMUNITY JUSTICE ASSISTANCE DIVISION.

(a) The community justice assistance division shall: (1) establish minimum standards for programs, facilities, and services provided by community supervision and corrections departments; and (2) fund programs, facilities, and services for community supervision and corrections departments. (b) The chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas and the presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals shall each appoint six members to serve as the judicial advisory council to the community justice assistance division and the board. The advisory council members serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of four of the members expiring September 1 of each odd-numbered year. In the event of a vacancy during a term, the appointing authority for the member who vacated the office shall appoint a replacement to fill the unexpired portion of the term. The advisory council shall advise the director of the community justice assistance division and the board on matters of interest to the judiciary, and the director and the board shall carefully consider the advice. Members of the advisory council are not entitled to compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses in the conduct of their duties, as provided by the General Appropriations Act. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 988, Sec. 2.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.002(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.004. INSTITUTIONAL DIVISION.

The institutional division shall operate and manage: (1) the state prison system; and (2) state jails to confine defendants described by Section 507.002 . Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.005. PAROLE DIVISION.

The parole division shall supervise and reintegrate individuals into society after release from confinement. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.006. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

(a) The board shall employ an executive director who possesses the following minimum qualifications: (1) five years experience in the field of corrections in an administrative capacity; (2) three years experience in the field of corrections in an administrative capacity and a graduate degree from an institution of higher education in penology or a related field; or (3) seven years experience in management or administration of a government agency, institution of higher education, or business enterprise of size comparable to the department. (b) The executive director is responsible for the administration and enforcement of all laws relating to the department including rules implemented by the department but may delegate those responsibilities as permitted by board rule or general law. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.007. PERSONNEL.

(a) The executive director shall develop an intraagency career ladder program. The program shall require intraagency postings of all nonentry level positions concurrently with any public postings. (b) The executive director shall develop a system of annual performance evaluations. All merit pay for department employees must be based on the system established under this subsection. (c) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall prepare and maintain a written policy statement that implements a program of equal employment opportunity to ensure that all personnel decisions are made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin. The policy statement must include: (1) personnel policies, including policies related to recruitment, evaluation, selection, training, and promotion of personnel that show the intent of the department to avoid the unlawful employment practices described by Chapter 21 , Labor Code; and (2) an analysis of the extent to which the composition of the department's personnel is in accordance with state and federal law and reasonable methods to achieve compliance with state and federal law. (d) A policy statement must: (1) be updated at least annually; (2) be reviewed by the state Commission on Human Rights for compliance with Subsection (c)(1); and (3) be filed with the governor's office. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1188, Sec. 1.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.008. AUDIT BY STATE AUDITOR.

The financial transactions of the department are subject to audit by the state auditor in accordance with Chapter 321 , and the state auditor shall include in the audit report a review of the department's employment practices to ensure that they conform with state law and department policies regarding nepotism. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.009. SUBSTANCE ABUSE FELONY PUNISHMENT FACILITIES.

(a) The department shall establish a program to confine and treat: (1) defendants required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure; and (2) individuals referred for treatment as part of a drug court program established under Chapter 123 or a similar program created under other law. (a-1) The board by rule may modify requirements imposed by this section and Chapter 42A , Code of Criminal Procedure, as necessary to properly treat individuals who are not participating in the program as a condition of community supervision. (b) The board shall adopt criteria to determine the suitability of candidates for participation in the program. The department and the Department of State Health Services shall jointly develop methods of screening and assessing defendants required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, to determine their need for specific types of treatment for alcohol or drug abuse problems. (c) The program for persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, must consist of treatment programs that may vary in time from 90 days to 12 months. (d) The program for persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, provided under this section must contain highly structured work, education, and treatment schedules, a clearly delineated authority structure, and well-defined goals and guidelines. The department shall establish a graded system of rewards and sanctions for defendants who participate in the program, but a defendant required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, is not entitled to earn awards of time for good conduct. A qualified professional, at least every 60 days, must perform an evaluation on a defendant that determines the defendant's treatment progress and institutional behavior. Not later than three days after the date on which a four-month evaluation is performed, the qualified professional shall establish a tentative release date for the defendant, notify the sentencing court of that fact, and include with the notice a copy of the four-month evaluation. The qualified professional immediately shall notify the court if the professional determines the defendant's conduct requires a revision of the tentative release date. (e) The department shall employ or contract with qualified professionals to implement the program for persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure. For purposes of this subsection, a "qualified professional" is a person who: (1) is a licensed chemical dependency counselor; (2) is a licensed social worker who has at least two years of experience in chemical dependency counseling; or (3) is a licensed professional counselor, physician, or psychologist and who has at least two years of experience in chemical dependency counseling. (f) (1) The department shall adopt rules of conduct for persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, or required to participate in the program following modification of community supervision or parole. (2) If the qualified professional with primary responsibility for treating a defendant and the individual in charge of security in the facility in which the defendant is housed jointly determine that the defendant is not complying with the rules or is medically or psychologically unsuitable for the program, they shall notify the department of that fact. (3) The department, immediately on receiving notice, shall request the sentencing court to reassume custody of the defendant if the defendant was required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, or required to participate in the program following modification of community supervision. The court shall reassume custody before the 12th day after the date on which the department notifies the court. If the court revokes the defendant's community supervision, the admission of the defendant to the institutional division is an admission for which the department must account in the scheduled admissions policy established under Section 499.071 . (4) The department, immediately on receiving notice, shall request the parole division to reassume custody of the defendant if the defendant was required to participate in the program following modification of parole. The parole division shall immediately take action in accordance with established policies and procedures of the Board of Pardons and Paroles to remove the defendant from the program. If a parole panel revokes the defendant's parole, the admission of the defendant to the institutional division is an admission for which the department must account in the scheduled admissions policy established under Section 499.071 . (5) If the defendant was transferred to the facility from a county jail under Subsection (l), the department shall return the defendant to the county jail. (6) A court's recommendation that a defendant be placed in a program created under this section does not give the court the power to hold the department or any officer or employee of the department in contempt of court for failure to adhere to that recommendation. (g) The department shall provide beds for the purpose of operating the program for persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, except that the beds may also be used to house the following categories of persons: (1) persons transferred under Subchapter A, Chapter 499, and Section 508.118; (2) persons whose community supervision or parole has been modified; (3) defendants confined in county jails awaiting transfer to the institutional division; and (4) inmates participating in the program described by Section 501.0931 . (h) On and after the date persons are required under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, to participate in the program established under this section, the department shall give priority to housing those persons over the categories of persons described by Subsections (g)(1)-(4). (i) Repealed by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1154, Sec. 29(1), eff. September 1, 2013. (j) The department shall recover from a program participant the cost to the department of providing treatment, to the extent the participant has insurance that covers the treatment or is otherwise able to pay for the treatment. (k) It is the intent of the legislature that facilities established under this section be used primarily to house persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure, except that if treatment beds are empty, this subsection does not prohibit the department from using those empty beds to treat the categories of persons listed in Subsection (g). (l) The department shall identify defendants confined in county jails who are awaiting transfer to the institutional division and who because of their need for treatment of drug or alcohol problems require transfer to a substance abuse felony punishment facility. The department shall provide for the transportation of the defendant to such a facility. If the board finds that a county has failed to fully cooperate with the department in evaluating defendants under this section, the board shall notify the Commission on Jail Standards of that fact. On notice from the board, the commission may reduce or suspend payments under Subchapter F , Chapter 499 , or may suspend the certification of the county jail as provided by Section 511.012 . (m) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department is authorized to provide substance abuse felony punishment facilities, not to exceed 500 beds, for newly provided alcohol and drug abuse beds exclusively for persons whose community supervision or parole has been modified. (n) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the department shall separate participants in the program created under this section from inmates of the institutional division, except at times determined necessary by the department for the purpose of transportation or staging or for medical or security reasons. The department may commingle participants in the program created under this section with inmates in the program described by Section 501.0931 . (o) Repealed by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.113, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. (p) To the extent funds are available, the Criminal Justice Policy Council, with the assistance of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the department, shall develop methods to evaluate the processes used by the department in providing the program and the level of success achieved by the program. (q) The department not less often than every two years shall determine whether the department should increase the number of beds provided by the department for the operation of the program for persons required to participate in the program under Article 42A.303 , Code of Criminal Procedure. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 10, Sec. 19.03, eff. Oct. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 988, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.004 to 1.006, 1.113, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1269, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 892, Sec. 22, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 747 (S.B. 462 ), Sec. 2.10, eff. September 1, 2013. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1154 (S.B. 213 ), Sec. 29(1), eff. September 1, 2013.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.010. CONTRACTS FOR MISCELLANEOUS HOUSING.

(a) The board, for the temporary or permanent housing of inmates, may enter into leases or contract with: (1) public or private jails; or (2) operators of alternative housing facilities. (b) The board may not enter into a lease or contract with an operator of an alternative housing facility that is located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more unless the operator submits to the board a permit or other documentation showing that the facility is in compliance with all applicable municipal and county regulations. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 10, Sec. 19.04, eff. Oct. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.007, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.011. CONSULTANT CONTRACTS FOR PRISON CONSTRUCTION.

The board may not contract for construction-related consulting services to the board with an individual or firm if that individual or firm is also under contract with the department to provide construction management services for prison unit construction. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 10, Sec. 19.05, eff. Oct. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.008, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.012. HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES.

(a) The board and the department each shall make a good faith effort to assist historically underutilized businesses to receive at least 30 percent of the total value of: (1) each construction contract awarded for construction, purchase of supplies, materials, services, and equipment that the board and the department expect to make; and (2) contracts awarded for operation, maintenance, or management. (b) The board and the department each shall annually report to the legislature and the governor on the level of historically underutilized business participation in board and department contracts. The report shall include: (1) names and locations of the historically underutilized businesses participating in contracts; (2) types of services conducted by the historically underutilized businesses participating in contracts; (3) a description of the type of recruitment strategy used to attract historically underutilized businesses; and (4) recommendations for the improvement of historically underutilized business opportunities with the board and the department. (c) In this section, "historically underutilized business" means: (1) a business entity formed for the purpose of making a profit of which at least 51 percent is owned by one or more persons who are socially disadvantaged because of their identification as members of certain groups, including women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, who have suffered the effects of discriminatory practices or similar insidious circumstances over which they have no control; or (2) a corporation formed for the purpose of making a profit in which at least 51 percent of all classes of the shares of stock or other equitable securities is owned by one or more persons described by Subdivision (1). Those persons must have proportionate interest in the control, operation, and management of the corporation's affairs. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 10, Sec. 19.06, eff. Oct. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 988, Sec. 4.07, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.013. FEDERAL FUNDS COMMITTEE.

(a) The board shall ensure that the federal funds committee of the department includes representatives of all divisions of the department that may be able to assist the committee in identifying and qualifying for additional federal funds, specifically including the offices of the institutional division that manage agricultural and industrial issues. (b) The board shall require the committee to: (1) maximize federal grant and entitlement funding available to the state; (2) submit biennially to the board a detailed report that includes information on all federal grants and entitlements identified and applied for by the committee and the results of the applications; and (3) work in conjunction with the Office of State-Federal Relations and the Texas Department of Human Services to investigate the applicability of: (A) the national school lunch program to inmates who are pursuing a primary or secondary education while confined in the institutional division; and (B) the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33 , Human Resources Code, to inmates who are confined and treated in substance abuse felony punishment facilities. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 238, Sec. 1.01, eff. May 22, 1993.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.014. APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES.

A grievance procedure of the department or a division of the department, including the procedure established under Section 501.008 , applies to a grievance of an inmate or other person under the custody or control of the department relating to a rule or internal procedure of the board or department. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 988, Sec. 9.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 493.013 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 17.01(15), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.015. IDENTIFICATION OF DEPORTABLE ALIENS.

(a) In this section, "illegal criminal alien" means an alien who has been convicted of a felony and is in the custody of the state and who: (1) entered the United States without inspection or at any time or any place other than as designated by the United States Attorney General; (2) was admitted as a nonimmigrant and, before the date of the commission of the crime, had failed to maintain the nonimmigrant status under which the alien was admitted or to which it was changed under Section 248, Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Section 1258), or to comply with the conditions of the alien's status; or (3) is a Marielito Cuban as defined in Section 501, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C. Section 1365). (b) The department shall identify those inmates who are imprisoned in the institutional division or confined in a substance abuse treatment facility, a state jail felony facility, or a county jail awaiting transfer to the institutional division and for whom the department is unable to reasonably ascertain whether or not the person is an illegal criminal alien. (c) In attempting to ascertain whether an inmate is an illegal criminal alien, the department may take into account a statement of noncitizenship made to the department by the inmate or any information in the criminal history record information maintained on the inmate, including information developed in presentence investigation reports that may reflect place of birth, registration with the Social Security Administration, or work history. (d) The department shall promptly notify the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service of any inmate determined by the department to be an illegal criminal alien and request the assistance of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, if necessary, in determining whether or not the person is an illegal criminal alien. (e) The department shall promptly notify the criminal justice division of the governor's office of any inmate determined by the department or by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to be an illegal criminal alien, and the criminal justice division of the governor's office shall apply to the federal government for any funds due the state for criminal justice costs incurred with respect to an illegal criminal alien. (f) Federal funds received for criminal justice costs incurred with respect to an illegal criminal alien shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. (g) The department shall cooperate with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in implementing an efficient system for the deportation of illegal criminal aliens on completion of the inmates' sentences or release of the inmates on parole or mandatory supervision. The department shall consider: (1) designating facilities or units within the department as central locations to hold inmates who are illegal criminal aliens for the period immediately preceding release on parole or mandatory supervision; and (2) providing two-way closed circuit communications systems and other technology that will assist the state and the federal government in ensuring the timely and efficient deportation of illegal criminal aliens on the release of those aliens from imprisonment or confinement under the authority of the department. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 85, Sec. 1, eff. May 16, 1995.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.016. INFORMATION OF PUBLIC INTEREST; COMPLAINTS.

(a) The department shall prepare information of public interest describing the functions of the department and the procedures by which complaints are filed with and resolved by the department. The department shall make the information available to the general public and appropriate state agencies. (b) The department shall establish methods by which interested persons are notified of the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the department for the purpose of directing complaints to the department. (c) The department shall keep an information file on each written complaint filed with the department by a member of the general public that relates to the operations of the department. The file must include: (1) the name of the person who filed the complaint; (2) the date the complaint is received by the department; (3) the subject matter of the complaint; (4) the name of each person contacted in relation to the complaint; (5) a summary of the results of the review or investigation of the complaint; and (6) an explanation of the reason the file was closed, if the agency closed the file without taking action other than to investigate the complaint. (d) The department shall provide notice of the department's policies and procedures relating to complaint investigation and resolution to: (1) all department employees; and (2) each person filing a complaint. (e) The department, at least quarterly until final disposition of the complaint, shall notify the person filing the complaint of the status of the investigation unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover investigation. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.010, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1188, Sec. 1.11, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.017. REPORTS ON SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT.

(a) A sex offender correction program that provides counseling sessions for a sex offender under Article 42A.453 , Code of Criminal Procedure, shall report to the community supervision and corrections department officer supervising the offender, not later than the 15th day of each month, the following information about the offender: (1) the total number of counseling sessions attended by the sex offender during the preceding month; and (2) if during the preceding month the sex offender terminates participation in the program before completing counseling, the reason for the sex offender's termination of counseling. (b) A sex offender correction program that provides counseling sessions for a sex offender under Section 508.187 shall report to the parole officer supervising the offender, not later than the 15th day of each month, the following information about the offender: (1) the total number of counseling sessions attended by the sex offender during the preceding month; and (2) if during the preceding month the sex offender terminates participation in the program before completing counseling, the reason for the sex offender's termination of counseling. (c) A sex offender correction program that provides counseling sessions for a child under Section 54.0405 , Family Code, shall report to the local juvenile probation department supervising the child, not later than the 15th day of each month, the following information about the child: (1) the total number of counseling sessions attended by the child during the preceding month; and (2) if during the preceding month the child terminates participation in the program before completing counseling, the reason for the child's termination of counseling or that the reason for the termination of counseling is unknown. (d) A sex offender correction program that provides counseling sessions for a child who is released under supervision under Section 245.053 , Human Resources Code, shall report to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, not later than the 15th day of each month, the following information about the child: (1) the total number of counseling sessions attended by the child during the preceding month; and (2) if during the preceding month the child terminates participation in the program before completing counseling, the reason for the child's termination of counseling or that the reason for the termination of counseling is unknown. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 256, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.09, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 669, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 85 (S.B. 653 ), Sec. 3.012, eff. September 1, 2011.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.018. CARE OF TERMINALLY ILL INMATES.

(a) The department may provide direct hospice services for terminally ill inmates and defendants confined in facilities operated by the department or may contract with a licensed hospice for the provision of those services. Hospice services established by the department shall meet licensure standards established under Chapter 142 , Health and Safety Code, except for those standards which are determined to be in conflict with security considerations in the institutional setting. (b) In this section, "hospice" and "hospice services" have the meanings assigned to those terms by Section 142.001 , Health and Safety Code. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 769, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 493.014 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(39), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.019. OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

(a) The office of the inspector general is established under the direction of the board as an independent law enforcement agency and is responsible for preventing and investigating: (1) offenses committed by department employees and inmates; and (2) offenses committed at a facility operated by or under contract with the department or at any facility in which an individual in the custody of the department is housed or receives medical or mental health treatment, including: (A) unauthorized or illegal entry into a department facility; (B) the introduction of contraband into a department facility; (C) escape from a department facility and parole absconders; (D) organized criminal activity; and (E) violations of department policy or procedure. (b) The board shall employ a commissioned peace officer as the inspector general, who may be terminated by board action. (c) The inspector general may employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of carrying out the duties described by this section. (d) Peace officers employed and commissioned under Subsection (c) must: (1) be licensed as an officer under Chapter 1701 , Occupations Code; and (2) complete advanced courses relating to the duties of peace officers employed and commissioned under Subsection (c) as part of any continuing education requirements for the peace officers. (e) The office of the inspector general shall work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies while performing its duties under this section or other law. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.009, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 493.015 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(40), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 93 (S.B. 686 ), Sec. 2.27, eff. May 18, 2013.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.020. SEAL OF DEPARTMENT.

(a) The department shall use an official seal to certify documents received by the department under Sections 8(a) and (c), Article 42.09 , Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) The official seal must contain an engraved, five-pointed star in the center with the words "Texas Department of Criminal Justice" around the margin. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.011, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 493.017 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(41), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.021. ELECTRONIC CREATION AND TRANSMISSION OF DOCUMENTS.

(a) If a statute requires the department to create a document, the department through electronic means may create and maintain the information that would otherwise be contained in a paper document. If a statute requires the department to provide a receipt, signature, or seal as evidence of creating a document, the department may develop and use an electronic identifier, and when used by the department, the identifier has the same force and effect as the use of a receipt, signature, or seal. (b) If a statute requires a person to submit a document to the department, the department may accept the document in paper form or may accept an electronic transmission of the information otherwise contained in the paper document. (c) If a statute requires the department to provide a receipt, signature, or seal as evidence of delivery of a document, and if the department has received an electronic transmission in lieu of accepting the document in paper form, the department may transmit electronically evidence of delivery. The department may use the electronic identifier developed under Subsection (a), and when used by the department, the identifier has the same force and effect as the use of a receipt, signature, or seal. (d) This section does not authorize the department to require that a person submitting information to the department submit the information electronically. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 202, Sec. 1, eff. May 24, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0021. ORGANIZATIONAL FLEXIBILITY.

(a) Notwithstanding Sections 493.002 , 493.003 , 493.004 , 493.005 , 493.0052 , and 493.0053 , the executive director, with the approval of the board, may: (1) create divisions in addition to those listed in Section 493.002 and assign to the newly created divisions any duties and powers imposed on or granted to an existing division or to the department generally; (2) eliminate any division listed in Section 493.002 or created under this section and assign any duties or powers previously assigned to the eliminated division to another division listed in Section 493.002 or created under this section; or (3) eliminate all divisions listed in Section 493.002 or created under this section and reorganize the distribution of powers and duties granted to or imposed on a division in any manner the executive director determines is best for the proper administration of the department. (b) The executive director may not take an action under this section with potential impact on the administration of community corrections programs by community supervision and corrections departments without requesting and considering comments from the judicial advisory council to the community justice assistance division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice as to the effect of the proposed action. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1188, Sec. 1.09, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.022. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION.

An employee of the department who is the subject of a written complaint made by or filed with the department may not be suspended, discharged, or subjected to any other form of employment discrimination by the department because the employee refuses to take a polygraph examination. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 367, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.023. CHARITABLE FUND-RAISING.

(a) Under policies established by the department, a department employee may participate in fund-raising activities conducted on department property on the employee's own time for the benefit of an eligible charitable organization. The department shall adopt policies under this section which address: (1) minimum qualifications of eligible charitable organizations; (2) limitations on the use of funds; (3) handling and distribution of the proceeds of fund-raising activity to eligible charitable organizations located in the county where the fund-raising takes place; and (4) ensuring that participation in fund-raising is voluntary and not coercive. (b) Funds collected under this section are not subject to Section 404.094 . (c) This section does not affect the department's participation in the state employees charitable campaign under Subchapter H , Chapter 659 . Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1188, Sec. 1.12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.024. APPLICATION OF LAW RELATING TO FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGION.

For purposes of Chapter 110 , Civil Practice and Remedies Code, an ordinance, rule, order, decision, or practice that applies to a person in the custody of a jail or other correctional facility operated by or under a contract with the department is presumed to be in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. The presumption may be rebutted. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 399, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 30, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 493.023 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(42), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.025. NOTIFICATION OF COURT OF RELEASE.

On release of an inmate who discharges the inmate's sentence or on release of an inmate on parole or to mandatory supervision, the department promptly shall notify the clerk of the court in which the inmate was convicted of that fact. The notice must be provided by e-mail or other electronic communication. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 541, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 493.023 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(43), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1123 (H.B. 200 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.026. CERTAIN INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PROHIBITED.

The department, regardless of available capacity in the program, may not prohibit a parole panel from, or request a parole panel to refrain from, requiring an inmate to participate in and complete a treatment program operated by the department before the inmate is released on parole. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909 ), Sec. 17, eff. June 15, 2007.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.027. MANAGEMENT-EMPLOYEE MEETINGS.

(a) The director of the department may meet regularly with representatives of an eligible state employee organization, as certified by the comptroller under Section 403.0165 , that represents department employees in disciplinary or grievance matters to identify: (1) department policies or practices that impair the efficient, safe, and effective operation of department facilities; and (2) issues that could lead to unnecessary conflicts between the department and department employees and that could undermine retention and recruitment of those employees. (b) The director annually shall submit a report to each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the department on the outcome of any meetings held under this section. The report must: (1) be signed by the director and each representative of an employee organization described by Subsection (a) that participates in the meetings; and (2) include a statement from each party regarding the impact of the meetings on the recruitment and retention of department employees and on employee morale. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909 ), Sec. 18, eff. June 15, 2007.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.028. INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT ON CRIMINAL OFFENSES.

(a) In this section, "special prosecution unit" means the special prosecution unit established under Subchapter E , Chapter 41 . (b) The inspector general of the department shall on a quarterly basis prepare and deliver to the board of directors of the special prosecution unit a report concerning any alleged criminal offense concerning the department and described by Article 104.003 (a), Code of Criminal Procedure, that occurred during the preceding calendar quarter. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 263 (S.B. 103 ), Sec. 17, eff. June 8, 2007. Renumbered from Government Code, Section 493.026 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969 ), Sec. 27.001(32), eff. September 1, 2009.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.029. LOCAL AND REGIONAL RELEASE AND DISCHARGE PROCEDURE.

(a) The department shall establish a procedure through which an inmate being discharged from the department or being released on parole or to mandatory supervision is discharged or released, as applicable, from: (1) the facility in which the inmate is serving the inmate's sentence; or (2) the facility designated as a regional release facility under Subsection (b) that is nearest to the facility in which the inmate is serving the inmate's sentence. (b) The department shall designate six or more facilities operated by the department as regional release facilities from which an inmate being discharged from the department or being released on parole or to mandatory supervision may be discharged or released, as applicable, rather than being released under Subsection (a)(1). If the department determines that discharging or releasing an inmate under Subsection (a) is not in the best interest of the inmate or would threaten the safety of the public, the department may release the inmate from a regional release facility designated under this subsection other than the facility described by Subsection (a)(2). Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (H.B. 2289 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.030. NOTICE TO SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.

(a) The department shall notify the United States Social Security Administration of the release or discharge of a prisoner who: (1) immediately before the prisoner's confinement in a state correctional facility, was receiving: (A) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits under 42 U.S.C. Section 1381 et seq.; or (B) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits under 42 U.S.C. Section 401 et seq.; and (2) before the release or discharge, was confined in the facility for a period of less than 12 consecutive months. (b) The department shall provide the notice described by Subsection (a) to the United States Social Security Administration by mail and electronically immediately on the prisoner's release or discharge from custody. The department shall provide a copy of the notice to the prisoner at the time of the prisoner's release or discharge. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1123 (H.B. 200 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.031. CASE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES.

(a) Each facility under the oversight of the correctional institutions division shall establish a case management committee to assess each inmate in the facility and ensure the inmate is receiving appropriate services or participating in appropriate programs. The case management committee shall: (1) review each individualized treatment plan adopted under Section 508.152 for an inmate in the facility and, as applicable, discuss with the inmate a possible treatment plan, including participation in any program or service that may be available through the department, the Windham School District, or any volunteer organization; and (2) meet with each inmate in the facility at the time of the inmate's initial placement in the facility and at any time in which the committee seeks to reclassify the inmate based on the inmate's refusal to participate in a program or service recommended by the committee. (b) A case management committee must include the members of the unit classification committee. In addition to those members, a case management committee may include any of the following members, based on availability and inmate needs: (1) an employee whose primary duty involves providing rehabilitation and reintegration programs or services; (2) an employee whose primary duty involves providing vocational training or educational services to inmates; (3) an employee whose primary duty involves providing medical care or mental health care treatment to inmates; or (4) a representative of a faith-based or volunteer organization. Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1154 (S.B. 213 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.032. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINING RELATED TO PREGNANT INMATES.

(a) The department shall provide training relating to medical and mental health care issues applicable to pregnant inmates to: (1) each correctional officer employed by the department at a facility in which female inmates are confined; and (2) any other department employee whose duties involve contact with pregnant inmates. (b) The training must include information regarding: (1) appropriate care for pregnant inmates; and (2) the impact on a pregnant inmate and the inmate's unborn child of: (A) the use of restraints; (B) placement in administrative segregation; and (C) invasive searches. Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 123 (H.B. 650 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.033. AVAILABILITY OF PEER SUPPORT SERVICES.

(a) The department shall adopt a policy to increase the availability of formal and informal peer support services, including certified peer specialist services, to a person confined in a facility operated by or under contract with the department, including a state jail felony facility, substance abuse felony punishment facility, or intermediate sanction facility. (b) The policy adopted under Subsection (a) must: (1) allow for persons who have previously been convicted of an offense, including releasees on parole or mandatory supervision and defendants on community supervision, to serve as certified peer specialists in a facility described by Subsection (a); (2) specify the conditions under which a person described by Subdivision (1) may serve as a certified peer specialist; and (3) allow for persons confined in a facility described by Subsection (a) to serve in a peer support role, provided that the persons are trained and supervised by a community-based organization described by Subsection (c). (c) In implementing the policy adopted under Subsection (a), the department shall: (1) collaborate with community-based organizations that provide peer specialist training, including training in any of the following peer support specialties: (A) certified peer specialist; (B) certified peer reentry specialist; (C) certified peer recovery specialist; or (D) any other peer support specialty recognized by the Health and Human Services Commission; and (2) encourage and assist persons described by Subsection (b)(3), with particular emphasis on persons who have been involved with programs or services relating to substance abuse or behavioral health, to participate in training described by Subdivision (1). Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 3227 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019. Redesignated from Government Code, Section 493.032 by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 915 (H.B. 3607 ), Sec. 21.001(30), eff. September 1, 2021.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.034. EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) The department shall establish a pilot program to provide educational and vocational training, employment, and reentry services to: (1) defendants placed on community supervision under Article 42A.562 , Code of Criminal Procedure; and (2) inmates released on parole who are required to participate in the program as a condition of parole imposed under Section 508.1455 . (b) The department, in consultation with interested parties, shall determine the eligibility criteria for a defendant or inmate to participate in the pilot program, including requiring the defendant or inmate to arrange for suitable housing while participating in the program. (c) The department, in consultation with interested parties, shall identify at least two and not more than four sites in this state in which the pilot program will operate. In identifying the sites, the department shall consider locating the program in various regions throughout the state, including locations having a variety of population sizes, provided that the department shall select sites based on where the program will have the greatest likelihood of success and regardless of geographic region or population size. The department shall also give consideration to whether a risk and needs assessment is generally conducted before sentencing defendants in a particular location and to the degree to which local judges show support for the establishment of the program in a particular location. (d) The department shall issue a request for proposals from public or private entities to provide services through the pilot program. The department shall select one or more qualified applicants to provide services through the program to eligible defendants and inmates. (e) The pilot program consists of approximately 180 days of employment-related services and support and must include: (1) an initial period during which the defendant or inmate will: (A) receive training and education related to the defendant's or inmate's vocational goals; and (B) be employed by the provider; (2) job placement services designed to provide employment for the defendant or inmate after the period described by Subdivision (1); (3) assistance in obtaining a high school diploma or industry certification for applicable defendants and inmates; (4) life-skills training, including information about budgeting and money management; and (5) counseling and mental health services. (f) The department shall limit the number of defendants and inmates who may participate in the pilot program to not more than 45 individuals per quarter per program location. (g) The department shall pay providers not less than $40 per day for each participant. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1060 (H.B. 3130 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017. Transferred, redesignated and amended from Government Code, Section 507.007 by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1014 (H.B. 2352 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.035. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY CLAIMS FILED ON BEHALF OF CRIME VICTIMS.

(a) The department shall file a claim for unclaimed property under Section 74.501 , Property Code, on behalf of a victim of a criminal offense if the reported owner of the unclaimed property: (1) was finally convicted of the criminal offense in this state; and (2) based on the final conviction: (A) was ordered to pay criminal restitution to the victim; and (B) on the date the claim is submitted, is confined in a facility operated by or under contract with the department. (b) The department shall quarterly send to the comptroller a data set regarding confined inmates to initiate the filing and facilitate the approval of the claims submitted under Subsection (a). (c) The department must file a claim under this section only if the department has: (1) received notification from a court under Section 501.014 (e); and (2) confirmed with the county the amount of outstanding restitution owed before filing the claim if the department finds the confirmation to be necessary. (c-1) The department shall transfer to the clerk of the court that entered an order of restitution for which the department received notice as described by Subsection (c)(1) a restitution payment derived from unclaimed property for which a claim was filed by the department as described by Subsection (a). The department shall include with the restitution payment the last known address of the victim available to the department, if any. (c-2) The department shall post on the department's Internet website the contact information for a department employee who is able to respond to inquiries from county officials regarding a transferred restitution payment. (c-3) Information provided to the clerk of a court under Subsection (c-1) is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552 . (d) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this section. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 368 (H.B. 1221 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.036. LONG-TERM FACILITIES PLAN.

(a) The department shall prepare a 10-year plan that identifies the department's facility and capacity needs. (b) In developing the plan under Subsection (a), the department: (1) must consider the various regional needs of the state, including any ancillary or community benefits associated with department facilities; and (2) may contract with a third party as needed. (c) Not later than December 1, 2026, and every fourth anniversary of that date, the department shall submit: (1) the plan to the board for approval; and (2) the approved plan to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing legislative committee with jurisdiction over appropriations or the department. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1022 (S.B. 2405 ), Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2025.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0052. OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR.

(a) The office of the independent auditor is established under the supervision of the board. (b) The board shall hire a director for the office of the independent auditor. The employment of the director may be terminated only with the approval of the board. (c) The office of the independent auditor shall conduct a program of internal auditing in accordance with Chapter 2102 . The program may include internal audits, contract audits, and community supervision and corrections department audits for the department. The office shall: (1) conduct recurring financial and management audits; (2) conduct internal audits to evaluate department programs and the economy and efficiency of those programs; and (3) recommend improvements in management and programs on the basis of evaluations made under this subsection. (d) The director of the office of the independent auditor shall send reports, audits, evaluations, and recommendations to the board and to the executive director. The director shall report directly to the board at least once a year on: (1) the activities of the office; and (2) the response of the department to recommendations made by the office. (e) The director shall report directly to the board on other matters at the times required by board policy. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.003. eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 493.0081 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 490, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0053. REHABILITATION AND REENTRY DIVISION.

(a) The rehabilitation and reentry division shall administer those rehabilitation and reintegration programs and services designated by the board under Subsection (b). (b) The board shall determine which programs and services operating under the authority of the department are designed for the primary purpose of rehabilitating inmates and shall designate those programs and services as programs and services provided under the direction of the rehabilitation and reentry division. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1360, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 493.0052 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(43), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0071. EMPLOYEE EXIT INTERVIEWS.

(a) The department shall adopt a policy that provides for an exit interview of each institutional division employee who terminates employment with the department. Employee participation in the interview process is voluntary, and the department is not required to conduct an exit interview of an employee who is terminated against the employee's will. (b) The department shall encourage the employee to state in the employee's own words the reasons for which the employee is terminating employment. (c) The department shall analyze responses to interviews conducted under this section on the basis of the responding employees' age, gender, race or ethnicity, years of service, rank, and duty locations. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1089, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0075. DONATION OF ACCRUED COMPENSATORY TIME OR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE FOR LEGISLATIVE PURPOSES.

(a) The executive director shall allow a correctional officer employed by the department to voluntarily transfer to a legislative leave pool up to eight hours of compensatory time or annual leave per year earned by the correctional officer. (b) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall administer the legislative leave pool. (c) The board shall adopt rules and prescribe procedures relating to the operation of the legislative leave pool. (d) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall credit the legislative leave pool with the amount of time contributed by a correctional officer employed by the department and deduct a corresponding amount of time from the correctional officer's earned compensatory time or annual leave as if the correctional officer had used the time for personal purposes. (e) A correctional officer employed by the department is entitled to use time contributed to the legislative leave pool if the correctional officer uses the time for legislative leave on behalf of an association: (1) related to the correctional officer's employment with the department; (2) that has at least 5,000 active or retired members; and (3) that is governed by a board of directors. (f) The executive director or the executive director's designee shall transfer time from the pool to the correctional officer and credit the time to the correctional officer. (g) A correctional officer employed by the department may only withdraw time from the legislative leave pool in coordination with and with the consent of the president or designee of the association described in Subsection (e). A correctional officer may not draw more than 80 hours from the pool in a 160-hour work cycle and may not draw more than 480 hours from the pool in a fiscal year. (h) A correctional officer employed by the department shall use time from the legislative leave pool in accordance with rules adopted by the board. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 517 (H.B. 1828 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0081. LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST.

The department shall include in each legislative appropriations request submitted to the Legislative Budget Board the information contained in the most recent report prepared by the community justice assistance division under Section 509.004 (c). Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (H.B. 3691 ), Sec. 4, eff. June 17, 2011. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1074 (S.B. 1055 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0082. DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS.

(a) All money and other financial assets collected or received by the department shall be deposited: (1) in the general revenue fund of the state treasury; (2) in trust with the comptroller; or (3) in a local bank account on approval by the comptroller. (b) For purposes of this section, a financial asset collected or received by the department includes: (1) an asset held outside the state treasury; or (2) an asset held in trust by the department, such as money held in an inmate or employee trust account or in an education and recreation account. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 490, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0083. PROGRAM EVALUATION CAPABILITY.

The department shall maintain a program evaluation capability separate from the rehabilitation and reentry division to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration programs and services provided to inmates and other offenders under the jurisdiction of the department. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1360, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 493.0082 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(44), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0084. INVENTORY AND EVALUATION OF ACTIVE PROGRAMS.

(a) The department shall develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of active programs and activities offered in department facilities that includes the following information for each program: (1) program goals; (2) program capacity; and (3) facilities where the program is offered. (b) The department shall make the inventory available to the public on the department's Internet website and continuously update the inventory. (c) The department shall collect and analyze data for the programs described by Subsection (a) to provide oversight of the programs and to improve program offerings. (d) In carrying out the department's duties under Subsection (c), the department shall: (1) for programs claiming rehabilitative or reentry effects: (A) collect results-based performance data; (B) work with qualified internal or external researchers to develop criteria to evaluate the programs; and (C) use the criteria developed under Paragraph (B) to evaluate the programs, including the data described by Paragraph (A); (2) create a separate correctional elective programs and activities category for non-evidence-based and non-evidence-informed programs and develop criteria to evaluate the programs; (3) collect and analyze relevant data for program participants in programs claiming rehabilitative or reentry effects, such as: (A) institutional disciplinary violations; (B) subsequent arrests; (C) subsequent convictions or confinements; (D) employment obtained following release; and (E) cost of confinement; and (4) use the data described by Subdivision (3) to produce and compare recidivism rates and other correctional impact trends and to make changes to the programs as needed. (e) The department may make structural or programmatic adjustments to improve program performance in response to a program evaluation under this section indicating poor program performance. (f) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the department shall submit a report on the department's analysis of programs described by Subsection (a) to the board, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the department. (g) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with other entities, including the Texas Workforce Commission, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System, the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, other regulatory entities, and institutions of higher education, to obtain and share data necessary to evaluate programs under this section. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1022 (S.B. 2405 ), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2025.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0145. IDENTIFICATION OF INMATES SUBJECT TO ARREST WARRANT.

Before an inmate is discharged or is released on parole or mandatory supervision from the department, the department shall conduct a criminal history record check to determine whether the inmate is the subject of an arrest warrant. In conducting the criminal history record check, the department shall allow sufficient time for compliance with any requirements related to notifying the proper authorities of the inmate's discharge or release and, if necessary, processing a demand for extradition of the inmate. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 205, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0151. DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF SEX OFFENDERS.

(a) For purposes of this section, "sexual offense" means a criminal offense the conviction of which requires a person to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62 , Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) Before an inmate who is serving a sentence for a sexual offense is discharged or is released on parole or mandatory supervision from the department, the department shall use the dynamic risk assessment tool developed by the Council on Sex Offender Treatment under Section 110.164 , Occupations Code, to assign the inmate a risk level of low, medium, or high. (c) The department shall conduct the risk assessment required by this section in addition to any other risk assessment the department is required to conduct. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909 ), Sec. 16, eff. June 15, 2007.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0155. PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF INMATES USING ALIAS.

On receipt of information from the Department of Public Safety under Article 66.105 , Code of Criminal Procedure, that a person's identifying information may have been falsely used by an inmate as the inmate's identifying information, regardless of whether the inmate is in the custody of the department, is serving a period of supervised release, or has been discharged, the department shall: (1) make a reasonable effort to identify the inmate's actual identity; and (2) take action to ensure that any information maintained in the department's records and files regarding the inmate reflects the inmate's use of the person's identity as a stolen alias and refers to available information concerning the inmate's actual identity. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 339, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0191. ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS.

(a) The inspector general may issue an administrative subpoena to a communication common carrier or an electronic communications service provider to compel the production of the carrier's or service provider's business records that: (1) disclose information about: (A) the carrier's or service provider's customers; or (B) users of the services offered by the carrier or service provider; and (2) are material to a criminal investigation of an escape or a potential escape or a violation of Section 38.11 , Penal Code. (b) In this section: (1) "Communication common carrier" means a person that: (A) for a fee, provides directly to the public or to certain members of the public the ability to transmit between or among points specified by the person who uses that ability, regardless of the technology used, information of the person's choosing without change in the form or content of the information transmitted; or (B) is a provider that bills customers for services described by Paragraph (A). (2) "Electronic communications service provider" means a service provider that provides to users of the service the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications, as those terms are defined by Article 18A.001 , Code of Criminal Procedure. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 395 (H.B. 1728 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0251. VICTIM NOTIFICATION OF SUBSEQUENT FELONY.

(a) In this section, "victim," "guardian of a victim," and "close relative of a deceased victim" have the meanings assigned by Section 508.117 . (b) If the department receives a notification under Article 2A.110 , Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding the indictment of a defendant described by that article, the department shall, to the extent requested under Subsection (c), make a reasonable effort to provide notice of the offense charged in the indictment to each victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim of an offense described by Article 2A.110 (a), Code of Criminal Procedure, for which the defendant was previously imprisoned at a facility operated by or under contract with the department and subsequently released. (c) The department shall adopt a procedure by which a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim may: (1) request to receive notice under this section; and (2) inform the department of the person's address for purposes of providing the notice. (d) Except as necessary to comply with this section, the board or the department may not disclose to any person the name or address of a person entitled to notice under this section unless: (1) the person approves the disclosure; or (2) a court determines that there is good cause for the disclosure and orders the board or the department to disclose the information. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 772 (H.B. 104 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.

Tex. GOV'T Code § 493.0325. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINING ON DE-ESCALATION, CRISIS INTERVENTION, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH.

(a) This section applies to: (1) a correctional officer employed by the department; and (2) a department employee responsible for the direct supervision of correctional officers described by Subdivision (1). (b) To facilitate interaction with inmates, the department shall provide employees described by Subsection (a) training on: (1) de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques; and (2) behavioral health. (c) The training described by Subsection (b)(1) must include information regarding: (1) effective communication; (2) employing alternatives to physical restraints, including the availability and proper use of tools such as shields, chemical dispensing devices, and less-lethal force weapons; (3) techniques for limiting the use of force resulting in bodily injury; (4) proper utilization of necessary resources, including lighting; (5) safety techniques during cell extractions; (6) fundamental lifesaving procedures; and (7) necessary personnel involvement. (d) The training described by Subsection (b)(2) must include information regarding: (1) effective communication and intervention; (2) increased awareness of persons with behavioral health concerns, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; (3) crisis recognition, prevention, and response; (4) suicide risk and prevention; and (5) access to employee assistance programs available to correctional officers. (e) The training required by this section must be included in the department's preservice training for correctional officers and completed annually by employees described by Subsection (a). Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 171 (H.B. 2756 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2025.
Source: TX Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Fetched: 6/29/2026