Bill
HB 553
85(R) - 2017
House Corrections
Senate Administration
House Corrections
Senate Administration
Criminal Justice
Education
Companion Bill
SB 677
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
James White
Sponsor(s)
Borris Miles
Bill Caption
Relating to the creation of a task force to identify opportunities for academic credit and industry recognition for inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would create a task force to conduct an ongoing and comprehensive review of the work and other productive activities of inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The purpose would be to identify opportunities for the award of either or both of high school credits and college credits. They would also be tasked with identifying opportunities for inmates to receive industry recognized credentials or certificates, which could possibly help the inmates as they leave incarceration and readjust to life outside the penal system.
Vote Recommendation Notes
The task force that this bill creates could identify opportunities to help inmates readjust to life outside of the penal system, thereby reducing the rates of recidivism. Reducing recidivism and facilitating reintegration are consistent with limited government. We support HB 553.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Association of Goodwills
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