The House Committee on Corrections

87th Legislature

August 10, 2022

9:00 a.m.

E2.016

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on July 29, 2022, the House Committee on Corrections met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Murr, at 9:02 a.m.

 

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Murr; Allen; Slaton; and White.

 

A quorum was present for the sole purpose of taking testimony, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Committee heard testimony on the following interim charges and topics:

 

Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Bailes participating virtually, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.)

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

The implementation of HB 30.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

The implementation of HB 385.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

The implementation of HB 3227 from the 86th Legislative Session.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

The implementation of HB 3130 from the 85th Legislative Session.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

Evaluate the benefits and potential savings associated with modernizing technology throughout the state’s correctional system. Consider updating regulations related to cell phone monitoring, body cameras, and video surveillance systems.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

Evaluate current family visitation rooms and visitation-related practices, programs, and

services in TDCJ facilities. Make recommendations regarding any additional measures that

TDCJ could take to make visitation more family friendly.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

For individuals in TDCJ facilities, or on community supervision or parole,

examine:

-           The availability of behavioral health services; and

-           The current treatment and recovery options available for those who are experiencing

withdrawal from drug or alcohol use.

 

Make recommendations for best practices to address the needs of individuals requiring

treatment.

 

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1:04 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________________________________

Rep. Murr, Chair

 

 

________________________________________________

Kirsten Mills, Clerk