The House Committee on Corrections

85th Legislature

August 29, 2018

To begin 30 minutes after adjournment of 10:30 AM joint-hearing

E2.014

Pursuant to a notice posted on August 21, 2018, the House Committee on Corrections met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative White, at 2:56 p.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives White; Allen; Sanford; Schaefer; and Tinderholt.

A quorum was present.

The committee met to hear invited and public testimony on Charge 3 - Examine the current Texas criminal justice system policies and practices regarding 17- to 25- year-olds, specific to probation, parole, state jail confinement, and discharge from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or county jail. Review any gaps in services that may be causing this population to recidivate. Make recommendations to improve the state's response to the needs of this population in order to lower revocation, re-arrest, and re-incarceration rates.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee met to hear invited and public testimony on Charge 6 - Study policies and protocols within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Examine when protocols are implemented and their efficacy in protecting the health and safety of inmates and state employees.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee met to hear invited and public testimony on Charge 7 - Review assessments used by the Board of Pardons and Paroles and parole panels to determine an inmate's risk of recidivism for purposes of granting parole and the use of GPS technology to monitor offenders.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee met to hear invited and public testimony on Charge 8 - Monitor Texas prison system heat-related litigation currently making its way through the courts. Monitor Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance within Texas state and county criminal justice facilities.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee met to hear invited and public testimony on Charge 9 - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 5:53 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. White, Chair

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Roel Benavides, Clerk