bill gives gang-labeled inmates equal access to drug programs

The text as introduced · 481 words

By: Meza
H.B. No. 3723

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the access of certain individuals in correctional

facilities to certain rehabilitative treatments.

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

SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Rehabilitation

Access for Security Threat Group Members Act."

SECTION 2. FINDINGS. The Legislature finds that:

1. Security Threat Groups (STGs) are defined by the Texas

Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as groups or associations of

inmates whose activities pose a threat to the safety and security of

correctional facilities, staff, and the general public.

2. Rehabilitation programs are critical to reducing

recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.

3. Offen1ers who have committed crimes related to drug or

substance use should have access to rehabilitative programs that

directly relate to their crime of conviction, regardless of their

STG status.

4. Current policies may restrict access to specific

rehabilitative programs for STG members, creating barriers to

education and treatment directly related to their offense.

5. The effective rehabilitation of individuals with

substance abuse issues is a key factor in reducing future criminal

behavior and promoting safer communities.

SECTION 3. AMENDMENT TO TDCJ POLICIES AND PRACTICES:

(a) Mandatory Access to Rehabilitative Programs.

(1) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

shall ensure that all inmates, including those classified as

members of Security Threat Groups (STGs), have equal and

unobstructed access to rehabilitative programs directly related to

their crime of conviction, provided they meet all program

requirements.

(b) Program Relevance to Crime of Conviction. Inmates

convicted of drug or substance-related offenses shall have equal

access to the following types of rehabilitative programs:

(1) Drug and substance use prevention programs;

(2) Drug and substance use rehabilitation programs;

(3) Substance use education programs;

(4) Any other programs designed to address or reduce

the likelihood of future offenses related to drug and substance

abuse.

(c) Non-Discriminatory Access. No individual shall be

denied access to these programs solely on the basis of their STG

status, and all eligible inmates shall have the opportunity to

participate in relevant programs without restriction due to

classification.

SECTION 4. PROGRAM EVALUATION AND REPORTING. (a) The TDCJ

shall, within one year of the passage of this Act, establish an

evaluation and reporting process to monitor the effectiveness of

this policy. The evaluation shall include:

(1) Data on the participation rates of STG members in

rehabilitative programs related to their crime of conviction;

(2) The outcomes of these programs in terms of

substance abuse reduction while in custody;

(3) Any barriers to access that exist for STG members.

(b) The TDCJ shall submit a report to the legislature every

two years detailing the success of the program and any necessary

adjustments or recommendations for improvements.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025 and

applies to all persons incarcerated during and after the passage of

this act.