Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 819 amends the Government Code to require the Criminal Justice Policy Council to develop methods for measuring the success of each inmate rehabilitation program or service in reducing recidivism and to submit specific findings as part of its biennial plan. It requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to assist the council by collecting data. The act adds the programs and services division to the list of divisions within the department and requires this division to administer the rehabilitation and reintegration programs and services. The act requires the department to maintain a program evaluation capability separate from the programs and services division to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration programs and services of the department.

            The act requires the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to appoint persons to the prison industries advisory committee who represent business and industry, including persons who are local workforce development board members, members of recognized labor organizations, and members of the staff of the State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. The act requires the committee to advise the board on all aspects of prison industries operations and requires the board to submit a report to the 76th Legislature that outlines the advisory committee's recommendations.

            The act requires the department to consider each inmate's needs and projected release date when assigning inmates to available job training positions in prison factories. It requires the department and the Texas Workforce Commission to adopt a memorandum of understanding that establishes their respective responsibilities for providing released inmates with a comprehensive network of centers designed to provide education, employment, and other support services.