BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Informed observers note that many inmates in Texas are housed in several categories in solitary confinement, including individuals who may have serious mental illnesses. There is growing concern among these observers who rates of suicide, attempted suicide, and self-harm in solitary confinement are far higher than rates in general population. Indications are that most mental health experts agree that solitary confinement can worsen the condition of individuals with mental illnesses. Furthermore, those concerned explain that inadequate monitoring and cursory checks while in solitary confinement do not allow for serious mental health issues to be identified. H.B. 1083 seeks to remedy this situation by providing for a mental health assessment of certain inmates.
H.B. 1083 amends current law relating to a mental health assessment of certain inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 501, Government Code, by adding Section 501.068, as follows:
Sec. 501.068. MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR CERTAIN INMATES. (a) Requires that an appropriate medical or mental health care professional perform a mental health assessment of an inmate before the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) may confine an inmate in administrative segregation.
(b) Prohibits TDCJ from confining an inmate in administrative segregation if the assessment performed under Subsection (a) indicates that type of confinement is not appropriate for the inmate's medical or mental health.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.