BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 930
87R1317 LHC-D	By: Sherman, Sr. et al. (Johnson)
	Criminal Justice
	5/14/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

According to the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, 21.4 percent of prisoners released in Texas return to prison within three years of release. Unfortunately, the root causes of recidivism can be difficult to identify because of poor data quality and availability.

Currently, under Section 322.019 of the Government Code, the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has assumed the responsibility of calculating recidivism rates for adult and juvenile correctional populations, publishing a recidivism report every two years.

H.B. 930 would explicitly codify this report, directing the LBB to prepare a detailed biennial report on recidivism that includes both statewide and county rates of rearrest, reconviction, and reincarceration in Texas and other states. H.B. 930 allows the LBB to request necessary data to complete the report from DPS.

Providing policymakers with accurate, standardized data will ensure lawmakers understand the underlying causes of recidivism and what policies are successful at rehabilitating former inmates and reducing crime.

H.B. 930 amends current law relating to a report on recidivism rates.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 322, Government Code, by adding Section 322.0195, as follows:

Sec. 322.0195.  RECIDIVISM REPORT.� (a)� Requires the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to prepare a biennial report on recidivism that includes rearrest, reconviction, and reincarceration rates.� Requires that the report include:

(1)  statewide rates and rates for each county in this state; and

(2)  information regarding:

(A)  individuals who have served any part of a sentence in a county jail; and

(B)  individuals who are rearrested, reconvicted, or reincarcerated in other states.

(b) Requires the LBB, in preparing the report, to collaborate with the Texas Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS).� Requires DPS to provide any information requested by the LBB for the purpose of preparing the report.

(c)  Authorizes the report to be included in any other report made by the LBB.

(d) Requires the LBB to submit the report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.