Meza Study Bill Also Promises Inmates Undefined ‘Legal Recourse’

The text as introduced · 513 words

By: Meza
H.B. No. 3721

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

concerning the transparency, oversight, and accountability of the

use of the restrictive housing, security threat groups, and certain

disciplinary measures

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. TITLE. This bill shall be known as the

Restrictive Housing / Solitary Confinement Standards and Reporting

Act.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this bill is to enhance

transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding the use of

solitary confinement, also known as restrictive housing, STG, G4,

G5, ALU, and Death Row in TDCJ correctional facilities. The goal is

to track progress in improving standards for the treatment of

individuals in all forms of restrictive housing/solitary

confinement to ensure that correctional institutions uphold the

mental, physical, and rehabilitative well-being of those

incarcerated.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act:

(a) Restrictive Housing includes all forms of solitary

confinement in TDCJ (G4, G5, STG, ALU, and Death Row). It refers to

the practice of placing an inmate in a physically isolated cell or

unit, with limited or no social interaction, with restrictions on

the amount of time outside the cell, and access to rehabilitative

programs or services.

(b) Restricted Housing refers to a similar form of

confinement as above, involving isolation with limited privileges,

often used for inmates who pose a risk to safety or security.

(c) Rehabilitative Programs refer to activities or services

aimed at improving the behavioral, psychological, educational, and

vocational outcomes for individuals incarcerated in solitary

confinement.

(d) Mental Health Diagnoses include any recognized

condition affecting the mental or emotional health of an

individual, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and

schizophrenia, among others.

(e) Medical or Psychiatric Emergencies refers to situations

where an individual in solitary confinement experiences severe

mental or physical distress that requires immediate medical or

psychiatric attention.

SECTION 4. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall collect

comprehensive data to monitor and evaluate the use of solitary

confinement, also known as restricted housing. This data will be

used to track progress toward improving the conditions, standards,

and overall impact of solitary confinement placements. An annual

report shall be submitted to the Legislature containing data

including personal information, reasons for placement, program

access, staffing ratios, duration, facility utilization, mental

health impacts, and appeal outcomes.

SECTION 5. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT. The Department

shall ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the data collected

under this Act. Non-compliance will result in corrective actions

and potential independent audits. Any individual found to have

been wrongfully placed in solitary confinement or subjected to

prolonged confinement without just cause shall have legal recourse.

SECTION 6. IMPLEMENTATION. The Department of Corrections

and Rehabilitation shall begin implementing the provisions of this

Act within six months of the date of its enactment. Necessary

adjustments to data collection systems, staff training, and

reporting protocols shall be completed in a timely manner.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on September 5, 2025,

or as soon as possible thereafter.