88R2801 BDP-D
 
  By: Allen H.B. No. 966
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to information on classes or programs required to be
  completed before an inmate is released on parole.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 493, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Section 493.035 to read as follows:
         Sec. 493.035.  INFORMATION ON CLASSES AND PROGRAMS REQUIRED
  FOR RELEASE ON PAROLE. The department shall publish on the
  department's Internet website the information required under
  Section 508.056.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 508, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 508.056 to read as follows:
         Sec. 508.056.  INFORMATION ON CLASSES AND PROGRAMS REQUIRED
  FOR RELEASE ON PAROLE. The board shall publish on the board's
  Internet website the following information for each class or
  program that the board requires an inmate to complete before
  releasing the inmate on parole:
               (1)  curriculum for the class or program;
               (2)  qualifications and relevant certifications of any
  instructor for the class or program;
               (3)  completion rates of the class or program;
               (4)  accommodations made for inmates with disabilities
  and inmates whose primary language is not English to ensure that
  those inmates are able to fully participate in the class or program;
               (5)  methods used to assess inmates for participation
  in the class or program;
               (6)  results of any independent evaluations used by the
  board when determining whether to require the class or program; and
               (7)  if the class or program is provided by a private
  vendor:
                     (A)  information on the contract between the
  department and the private vendor; and
                     (B)  the vendor's history of providing the class
  or program at other correctional facilities.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.