BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 2448

By: Reynolds

Corrections

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

It has been noted that many individuals who have been previously incarcerated have difficulty in finding stable employment and that this is a barrier to their reintegration into the community. H.B. 2448 seeks to address this issue by requiring certain entities to develop a five‑year plan to reduce recidivism by facilitating stable employment for such individuals. 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 2448 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), not later than December 1, 2020, and in collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System, to develop a five-year strategic plan to reduce recidivism by facilitating stable employment for persons who are reentering Texas communities after incarceration.

 

H.B. 2448 sets out certain information required to be included in the strategic plan and requires TDCJ to submit the plan to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the standing committees of the house and senate primarily responsible for criminal justice issues and corrections issues. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2021.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2019.