SRC-CDH H.C.R. 132 75(R) Page 1 of 1BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterH.C.R. 132 By: Counts (Sibley) Criminal Justice 5-17-97 Engrossed DIGEST There were over a million reports of crimes committed against Texans in 1995. Although the crime rate is improving and violent offenders are serving longer sentences, the recidivism rate is almost 50 percent within the first three years of an offender's release from prison. All Texans benefit when inmates reenter society as contributing, responsible, law-abiding citizens, and research illustrates the ability of religious faith and commitment to overcome criminal behavior. This bill will encourage the use of faith-based programs in Texas correctional facilities. PURPOSE As proposed, H.C.R. 132 submits the following resolutions: To urge the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth Commission, the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, and all Texas county commissioners and sheriffs to recognize and permit faith-based correctional programs, facilities, and initiatives to play a more significant role in the rehabilitation of criminal offenders by encouraging more use of faith-based programming in public prisons and jails; facilitating the operation of private, faith-based correctional facilities for willing inmates who are nearing release; and utilizing one-on-one, faith-based programs that encourage positive behaviors by offering a structured and re-adjustive program of education and spiritual nurture. Requires the secretary of state to forward an official copy of this resolution to the chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, the chairman of the Texas Youth Commission, the chairman of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, and the county judge in each Texas county.