Bill

HB 812

86(R) - 2019
House Corrections
Senate Criminal Justice
House Corrections
Senate Criminal Justice
Healthcare
Corrections

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

James White

Sponsor(s)

John Whitmire

Bill Caption

Relating to the amount of the health care services fee paid by certain inmates.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 812, Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted: a positive impact of $430,000 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

HB 812 would lower the fee that inmates pay for a visit to a healthcare provider from $100 to $10. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 812 because it supports the principle of limited government and individual liberty. A proper function of a limited government is an effective and efficient criminal justice system. Providing access to needs such as healthcare for incarcerated individuals is essential to a properly functioning criminal justice system. Just because an individual is incarcerated doesn't mean that the forfeit all their rights. Since prisoners have extremely limited monetary resources while incarcerated, the fee for healthcare should reflect this reality. 

Organizations Supporting

American Civil Liberties Union of Texas