Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice concerning the transparency, oversight, and accountability of the use of the restrictive housing, security threat groups, and certain disciplinary measures
relating to a study by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
concerning the transparency, oversight, and accountability of the
use of the restrictive housing, security threat groups, and certain
disciplinary measures
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. TITLE. This bill shall be known as the
Restrictive Housing / Solitary Confinement Standards and Reporting
Act.
SECTION 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this bill is to enhance
transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding the use of
solitary confinement, also known as restrictive housing, STG, G4,
G5, ALU, and Death Row in TDCJ correctional facilities. The goal is
to track progress in improving standards for the treatment of
individuals in all forms of restrictive housing/solitary
confinement to ensure that correctional institutions uphold the
mental, physical, and rehabilitative well-being of those
incarcerated.
SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act:
(a) Restrictive Housing includes all forms of solitary
confinement in TDCJ (G4, G5, STG, ALU, and Death Row). It refers to
the practice of placing an inmate in a physically isolated cell or
unit, with limited or no social interaction, with restrictions on
the amount of time outside the cell, and access to rehabilitative
programs or services.
(b) Restricted Housing refers to a similar form of
confinement as above, involving isolation with limited privileges,
often used for inmates who pose a risk to safety or security.
(c) Rehabilitative Programs refer to activities or services
aimed at improving the behavioral, psychological, educational, and
vocational outcomes for individuals incarcerated in solitary
confinement.
(d) Mental Health Diagnoses include any recognized
condition affecting the mental or emotional health of an
individual, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and
schizophrenia, among others.
(e) Medical or Psychiatric Emergencies refers to situations
where an individual in solitary confinement experiences severe
mental or physical distress that requires immediate medical or
psychiatric attention.
SECTION 4. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall collect
comprehensive data to monitor and evaluate the use of solitary
confinement, also known as restricted housing. This data will be
used to track progress toward improving the conditions, standards,
and overall impact of solitary confinement placements. An annual
report shall be submitted to the Legislature containing data
including personal information, reasons for placement, program
access, staffing ratios, duration, facility utilization, mental
health impacts, and appeal outcomes.
SECTION 5. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT. The Department
shall ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the data collected
under this Act. Non-compliance will result in corrective actions
and potential independent audits. Any individual found to have
been wrongfully placed in solitary confinement or subjected to
prolonged confinement without just cause shall have legal recourse.
SECTION 6. IMPLEMENTATION. The Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation shall begin implementing the provisions of this
Act within six months of the date of its enactment. Necessary
adjustments to data collection systems, staff training, and
reporting protocols shall be completed in a timely manner.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on September 5, 2025,
or as soon as possible thereafter.
