Bill

HB 865

85(R) - 2017
House Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Senate Criminal Justice
House Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Senate Criminal Justice
Corrections
Veterans

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Cesar Blanco

Sponsor(s)

José Rodríguez

Bill Caption

Relating to establishing a veterans services coordinator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a veterans rehabilitation dorm program for certain state jail defendants confined by the department.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 865 would amend the Government Code to require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to establish a veterans services coordinator to coordinate responses to the needs of veterans. A voluntary reentry dorm program would be established for defendants confined in state jail felony facilities who are veterans and suffer from a brain injury, a mental illness or disorder, or substance abuse that occurred during or as a result of military service.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This legislation dealing with the process for reentry for certain incarcerated veterans does not affect our liberty principles and we remain neutral. 

Organizations Supporting

Mental Health America of Texas
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas
Texas Association of Goodwills
Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations