| TO: | Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB1944 by Coleman (Relating to the elimination of sexual assault against inmates confined in a facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.), As Engrossed |
The bill would amend the Government Code by having the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) appoint an ombudsman to coordinate TDCJ’s efforts to eliminate the occurrence of sexual assault in correctional facilities. The bill further provides the duties and responsibilities of the ombudsman, including that TDCJ shall adopt policies to administer the program in each facility. Policies shall address inmate confidentially, safety, and medical treatment and evidence collection. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice does not anticipate a significant cost to implement the bill; however, depending on the intent of the bill relative to the Office of the Inspector General transporting the inmate to the nearest emergency room, the agency estimates that it could potentially cost $1.2 million annually for additional FTEs and operating costs.
| Source Agencies: | 696 Department of Criminal Justice
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, ES, GG, SDO
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