Bill

SB 1003

83(R) - 2013
Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

John Carona

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of the Adult and Juvenile Administrative Segregation Task Force.

Fiscal Notes

The estimated cost to implement the provisions of the bill is a negative impact of ($127,854) through the biennium ending August 31, 2015; however, the bill would require the action of the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee to be contingent on funding from gifts, grants, and donations being available to cover the costs. Therefore, no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary: SB 1003 would require the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committe to appoint an independent third party to review how Texas deals with "administrative segregation" (more commonly known as solitary confinement) in the justice system. This bill would allow the committee to apply for grants to fund this endeavor. This bill would require the third party to submit a report with detailed recommendations.

Analysis: Many inmates placed in solitary confinement have serious mental health issues. Reports indicate that hundreds of inmates each year are released to the public directly from solitary confinement each year. This has been linked to high rates of recidivism. This legislation could lead to better handling of the release of solitary confinement prisoners, and perhaps better use of solitary confinement altogether. SB 1003 does not fall under our liberty principles, and we remain neutral.