reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter D. Pardons and Paroles Division › Section 508.114. Parole Officers, Supervisors: Additional Duties

Sec. 508.114.  PAROLE OFFICERS, SUPERVISORS:  ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  (a)  The judge of a court having original jurisdiction of criminal actions may, with the approval of the director, designate a parole officer or supervisor as a community supervision and corrections department officer.  The director must give prior written approval for the payment of a proportional part of the salary paid to the parole officer or supervisor in compensation for service as a community supervision and corrections department officer.  The director shall periodically report to the governor and the legislature the proportional salary payments.
(b)  A parole officer or supervisor, on request of the governor or on order of the director, shall be responsible for supervising an inmate placed on conditional pardon or granted an emergency absence under escort.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter D. Pardons and Paroles Division › Section 508.1141. Specialized Training; Gang Members

Sec. 508.1141.  SPECIALIZED TRAINING;  GANG MEMBERS.  The department shall develop and provide specialized training for parole officers supervising releasees previously identified by the department as being members of prison gangs, criminal street gangs, or security threat groups.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 490, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter D. Pardons and Paroles Division › Section 508.1142. Parole Officer Maximum Caseloads

Sec. 508.1142.  PAROLE OFFICER MAXIMUM CASELOADS.  (a)  The department shall adopt a policy that establishes guidelines for a maximum caseload for each parole officer of:
(1)  60 active releasees, if the releasees are not in a specialized program described by Subdivisions (2)-(6);
(2)  35 active releasees, if the releasees are in the special needs offender program;
(3)  35 active releasees, if the releasees are in the therapeutic community substance abuse aftercare treatment program;
(4)  24 active releasees, if the releasees are in the sex offender program;
(5)  20 active releasees, if the releasees are electronically monitored; and
(6)  11 active releasees, if the releasees are in the super-intensive supervision program.
(b)  If the department is unable to meet the maximum caseload guidelines, the department shall submit a report to the Legislative Budget Board, at the end of each fiscal year in which the department fails to meet the guidelines, stating the amount of money needed by the department to meet the guidelines.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1421 (H.B. 3736), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter D. Pardons and Paroles Division › Section 508.115. Notification of Release of Inmate

Sec. 508.115.  NOTIFICATION OF RELEASE OF INMATE.  (a)  Not later than the 11th day before the date a parole panel orders the release on parole of an inmate or not later than the 11th day after the date the board recommends that the governor grant executive clemency, the division shall notify the sheriffs, each chief of police, the prosecuting attorneys, and the district judges in the county in which the inmate was convicted and the county to which the inmate is released that a parole panel is considering release on parole or the governor is considering clemency.
(b)  In a case in which there was a change of venue, the division shall notify the sheriff, the prosecuting attorney, and the district judge in the county in which the prosecution was originated if, not later than the 30th day after the date the inmate was sentenced, those officials request in writing that the division give the officials notice under this section of a release of the inmate.
(c)  Not later than the 10th day after the date a parole panel orders the transfer of an inmate to a halfway house under this chapter, the division shall give notice in accordance with Subsection (d) to:
(1)  the sheriff of the county in which the inmate was convicted;
(2)  the sheriff of the county in which the halfway house is located and each chief of police in the county;  and
(3)  the attorney who represents the state in the prosecution of felonies in the county in which the halfway house is located.
(d)  The notice must state:
(1)  the inmate's name;
(2)  the county in which the inmate was convicted;  and
(3)  the offense for which the inmate was convicted.
(e)  The notice must be provided by e-mail or other electronic communication.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 10.19, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 856, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1123 (H.B. 200), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter D. Pardons and Paroles Division › Section 508.116. Parole Information Program

Sec. 508.116.  PAROLE INFORMATION PROGRAM.  (a)  The division shall develop and implement a comprehensive program to inform inmates, the inmates' families, and other interested parties about the parole process.
(b)  The division shall update the program annually.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter D. Pardons and Paroles Division › Section 508.118. Halfway Houses

Sec. 508.118.  HALFWAY HOUSES.  (a)  The division, in conjunction with the institutional division, shall use halfway houses to divert from housing in regular units of the institutional division suitable low-risk inmates and other inmates who would benefit from a smoother transition from incarceration to supervised release.
(b)  Before transferring an inmate to a halfway house, the division shall send to the director of the halfway house all information relating to the inmate that the division determines will aid the halfway house in helping the inmate make a transition from the institutional division to supervised release.
(c)  The division is responsible for supervising an inmate:
(1)  for whom a presumptive parole date has been established;  and
(2)  who is transferred into a preparole residence in a halfway house under Subchapter A, Chapter 499.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.1411. Notification of Parole Panel Decision

Sec. 508.1411.  NOTIFICATION OF PAROLE PANEL DECISION.  (a)  For each decision of a parole panel granting or denying the release of an inmate on parole, or denying the release of an inmate on mandatory supervision, the parole panel shall:
(1)  produce a written statement, in clear and understandable language, that explains:
(A)  the decision; and
(B)  the reasons for the decision only to the extent those reasons relate specifically to the inmate;
(2)  provide a copy of the statement to the inmate; and
(3)  place a copy of the statement in the inmate's file.
(b)  In a written statement produced under Subsection (a), the parole panel may withhold information that:
(1)  is confidential and not subject to public disclosure under Chapter 552; or
(2)  the parole panel considers to possibly jeopardize the health or safety of any individual.
(c)  The board shall keep a copy of each statement produced under Subsection (a) in a central location.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1154 (S.B. 213), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.142. Period of Parole

Sec. 508.142.  PERIOD OF PAROLE.  (a)  The institutional division shall provide the board with sentence time credit information for each inmate who is eligible for release on parole.
(b)  Good conduct time credit is computed for an inmate as if the inmate were confined in the institutional division during the entire time the inmate was actually confined.
(c)  The period of parole is computed by subtracting from the term for which the inmate was sentenced the calendar time served on the sentence.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.143. Legal Custody of Releasee

Sec. 508.143.  LEGAL CUSTODY OF RELEASEE.  (a)  A releasee while on parole is in the legal custody of the division.
(b)  A releasee while on mandatory supervision is in the legal custody of the state.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.144. Parole Guidelines and Range of Recommended Parole Approval Rates

Sec. 508.144.  PAROLE GUIDELINES AND RANGE OF RECOMMENDED PAROLE APPROVAL RATES.  (a)  The board shall:
(1)  develop according to an acceptable research method the parole guidelines that are the basic criteria on which a parole decision is made;
(2)  base the guidelines on the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood of a favorable parole outcome;
(3)  ensure that the guidelines require consideration of an inmate's progress in any programs in which the inmate participated during the inmate's term of confinement;
(4)  establish and maintain a range of recommended parole approval rates for each category or score within the guidelines; and
(5)  implement the guidelines.
(b)   The board shall meet annually to review and discuss the parole guidelines and range of recommended parole approval rates.  The board may consult outside experts to assist with the review.  The board shall prioritize the use of outside experts, technical assistance, and training in taking any action under Subsection (c).  The board must consider:
(1)  how the parole guidelines and range of recommended parole approval rates serve the needs of parole decision-making; and
(2)  the extent to which the parole guidelines and range of recommended parole approval rates reflect parole panel decisions and predict successful parole outcomes.
(c)  Based on the board's review under Subsection (b), the board may:
(1)  update the guidelines by:
(A)  including new risk factors; or
(B)  changing the values of offense severity or risk factor scores; or
(2)  modify the range of recommended parole approval rates under the guidelines, if parole approval rates differ significantly from the range of recommended parole approval rates.
(d)  The board is not required to hold an open meeting to review the parole guidelines and range of recommended parole approval rates as required by Subsection (b), but any modifications or updates to the guidelines or range of recommended parole approval rates made by the board under Subsection (c) must occur in an open meeting.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 11.18, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 39, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1154 (S.B. 213), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.1445. Annual Report on Guidelines Required

Sec. 508.1445.  ANNUAL REPORT ON GUIDELINES REQUIRED.  (a)  The board annually shall submit a report to the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing committees in the senate and house of representatives primarily responsible for criminal justice regarding the board's application of the parole guidelines adopted under Section 508.144.
(b)  The report must include:
(1)  a brief explanation of the parole guidelines, including how the board:
(A)  defines the risk factors and offense severity levels; and
(B)  determines the range of recommended parole approval rates for each guideline score;
(2)  a comparison of the range of recommended parole approval rates under the parole guidelines to the actual approval rates for individual parole panel members, regional offices, and the state as a whole; and
(3)  a description of instances in which the actual parole approval rates do not meet the range of recommended parole approval rates under the parole guidelines, an explanation of the variations, and a list of actions that the board has taken or will take to meet the guidelines.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 40, eff. June 15, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1154 (S.B. 213), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.1455. Early Release on Parole for Certain Inmates Required to Participate in Educational and Vocational Training Pilot Program

Sec. 508.1455.  EARLY RELEASE ON PAROLE FOR CERTAIN INMATES REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PILOT PROGRAM.  (a)  This section applies only to an inmate:
(1)  who is serving a sentence for an offense under Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, that is punishable as a felony of the third degree;
(2)  who has not previously been convicted of a felony under Title 5, Penal Code, or under Chapter 43 or 71 of that code; and
(3)  whose eligibility for parole is computed under Section 508.145(f).
(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a parole panel may release on parole an inmate described by Subsection (a) approximately 180 days before the date the inmate would be eligible for release on parole under Section 508.145(f).
(c)  A parole panel releasing an inmate on parole under this section shall require as a condition of release on parole that the inmate participate in a program operated under Section 493.034, to begin immediately following the inmate's release on parole.
(d)  For purpose of consideration by a parole panel for early release on parole under Subsection (b), the department shall annually identify not fewer than 100 inmates described by Subsection (a) who are suitable candidates for participation in a program operated under Section 493.034.  The board and the department shall jointly adopt rules for identifying inmates under this subsection.  The rules must require the board or the department to notify an inmate that the inmate is being considered for release on parole under this section.
(e)  The board shall adopt rules governing the release of an inmate on parole under this section.
(f)  An inmate who is considered for but not granted release on parole under this section shall be considered for release on parole on the date that the inmate otherwise would have been considered for release on parole under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1014 (H.B. 2352), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.147. Release to Mandatory Supervision

Sec. 508.147.  RELEASE TO MANDATORY SUPERVISION.  (a)  Except as provided by Section 508.149, a parole panel shall order the release of an inmate who is not on parole to mandatory supervision when the actual calendar time the inmate has served plus any accrued good conduct time equals the term to which the inmate was sentenced.
(b)  An inmate released to mandatory supervision is considered to be released on parole.
(c)  To the extent practicable, arrangements for the inmate's proper employment, maintenance, and care must be made before the inmate's release to mandatory supervision.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.1471. Release to Mandatory Supervision of Certain Inmates Confined in County Jail

Sec. 508.1471.  RELEASE TO MANDATORY SUPERVISION OF CERTAIN INMATES CONFINED IN COUNTY JAIL.  (a)  This section applies only to an inmate who, at the time the inmate is sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the department, is:
(1)  confined in a county jail; and
(2)  eligible for immediate release to mandatory supervision.
(b)  Before an inmate is released from a county jail to mandatory supervision, the department shall provide notice to a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim that the inmate is eligible for release to mandatory supervision.  The notice must be sent to the address provided in the victim impact statement or submitted under Section 508.117(b) and must state that the victim, guardian, or close relative may submit, not later than the 14th day after the date of the notice, a written statement to the parole panel considering the inmate's release regarding:
(1)  the offense;
(2)  the inmate; and
(3)  the effect of the offense on the victim, guardian, or close relative.
(c)  Notwithstanding any other law, the parole panel may interview a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim regarding the release of the inmate to mandatory supervision.
(d)  In this section, "victim," "guardian of a victim," and "close relative of a deceased victim" have the meanings assigned by Section 508.117.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 636 (H.B. 721), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.148. Period of Mandatory Supervision

Sec. 508.148.  PERIOD OF MANDATORY SUPERVISION.  (a)  The period of mandatory supervision is computed by subtracting from the term for which the inmate was sentenced the calendar time served on the sentence.
(b)  The time served on mandatory supervision is computed as calendar time.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.150. Consecutive Felony Sentences

Sec. 508.150.  CONSECUTIVE FELONY SENTENCES.  (a)  If an inmate is sentenced to consecutive felony sentences under Article 42.08, Code of Criminal Procedure, a parole panel shall designate during each sentence the date, if any, the inmate would have been eligible for release on parole if the inmate had been sentenced to serve a single sentence.
(b)  For the purposes of Article 42.08, Code of Criminal Procedure, the judgment and sentence of an inmate sentenced for a felony, other than the last sentence in a series of consecutive sentences, cease to operate:
(1)  when the actual calendar time served by the inmate equals the sentence imposed by the court;  or
(2)  on the date a parole panel designates as the date the inmate would have been eligible for release on parole if the inmate had been sentenced to serve a single sentence.
(c)  A parole panel may not:
(1)  consider consecutive sentences as a single sentence for purposes of parole;  or
(2)  release on parole an inmate sentenced to serve consecutive felony sentences before the date the inmate becomes eligible for release on parole from the last sentence imposed on the inmate.
(d)  A parole panel may not use calendar time served and good conduct time accrued by an inmate that are used by the panel in determining when a judgment and sentence cease to operate:
(1)  for the same purpose in determining that date in a subsequent sentence in the same series of consecutive sentences;  or
(2)  for determining the date an inmate becomes eligible for release on parole from the last sentence in a series of consecutive sentences.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.151. Presumptive Parole Date

Sec. 508.151.  PRESUMPTIVE PAROLE DATE.  (a)  For the purpose of diverting inmates to halfway houses under Section 508.118, a parole panel, after reviewing all available pertinent information, may designate a presumptive parole date for an inmate who:
(1)  has never been convicted of an offense listed under Article 42A.054(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, or an offense under Section 21.02, Penal Code; and
(2)  has never had a conviction with a judgment that contains an affirmative finding under Article 42A.054(c) or (d), Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  The presumptive parole date may not be a date that is earlier than the inmate's initial parole eligibility date computed under Section 508.145.
(c)  A parole panel may rescind or postpone a previously established presumptive parole date on the basis of a report from an agent of the division responsible for supervision or an agent of the institutional division acting in the case.
(d)  If an inmate transferred to preparole status has satisfactorily served the inmate's sentence in the halfway house to which the inmate is assigned from the date of transfer to the presumptive parole date, without rescission or postponement of the date, the parole panel shall order the inmate's release on parole and issue an appropriate certificate of release.  The releasee is subject to the provisions of this chapter governing release on parole.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593 (H.B. 8), Sec. 3.40, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 122 (H.B. 3000), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 770 (H.B. 2299), Sec. 2.54, eff. January 1, 2017.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 768 (H.B. 4595), Sec. 10.007, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.153. Statements of Victim

Sec. 508.153.  STATEMENTS OF VICTIM.  (a)  A parole panel considering for release on parole or mandatory supervision an inmate who is serving a sentence for an offense in which a person was a victim shall allow:
(1)  the victim, a guardian of the victim, a close relative of the deceased victim, or a representative of the victim, the victim's guardian, or the victim's close relative to provide a written statement to the panel;  and
(2)  the victim, guardian of the victim, or close relative of the deceased victim to appear in person before the board members to present a statement of the person's views about:
(A)  the offense;
(B)  the inmate;  and
(C)  the effect of the offense on the victim.
(b)  If more than one person is entitled to appear in person before the board members or parole commissioners, only the person chosen by all persons entitled to appear as the persons' sole representative may appear.
(c)  The panel shall consider the statements and the information provided in a victim impact statement in determining whether to recommend an inmate for release on parole.
(d)  This section does not limit the number of persons who may provide written statements for or against the release of the inmate on parole.
(e)  In this section:
(1)  "Close relative of a deceased victim" means a person who, regardless of whether the victim's death was related to the offense committed, was:
(A)  the spouse of the victim at the time of the victim's death;
(B)  a parent of the deceased victim;
(C)  an adult brother, sister, or child of the deceased victim; or
(D)  the nearest relative of the deceased victim by consanguinity, if the persons described by Paragraphs (A) through (C) are deceased or are incapacitated due to physical or mental illness or infirmity.
(2)  "Guardian of a victim" and "victim" have the meanings assigned by Section 508.117.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 856, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 11.19, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 471 (H.B. 517), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.1531. Contact With Victim

Sec. 508.1531.  CONTACT WITH VICTIM.  A parole panel considering the release of an inmate on parole or to mandatory supervision may consider whether the inmate violated a policy adopted by the department under Section 498.0042(a) or a court order entered under Article 42.24, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 491 (H.B. 1028), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.154. Contract on Release

Sec. 508.154.  CONTRACT ON RELEASE.  (a)  An inmate to be released on parole shall be furnished a contract stating in clear and intelligible language the conditions and rules of parole.
(b)  Acceptance, signing, and execution of the contract by the inmate to be paroled is a precondition to release on parole.
(c)  An inmate released to mandatory supervision shall be furnished a written statement stating in clear and intelligible language the conditions and rules of mandatory supervision.
(d)  A releasee while on parole or mandatory supervision must be amenable to the conditions of supervision ordered by a parole panel.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.155. Completion of Parole Period

Sec. 508.155.  COMPLETION OF PAROLE PERIOD.  (a)  To complete a parole period, a releasee must serve the entire period of parole.
(b)  The time on parole is computed as calendar time.
(c)  The division may allow a releasee to serve the remainder of the releasee's sentence without supervision and without being required to report if a parole supervisor at the regional level has approved the releasee's early release from supervision under Section 508.1555.
(d)  The division may require a person released from supervision and reporting under Subsection (c) to resubmit to supervision and resume reporting at any time and for any reason.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 41, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.1555. Procedure for the Early Release From Supervision of Certain Releasees

Sec. 508.1555.  PROCEDURE FOR THE EARLY RELEASE FROM SUPERVISION OF CERTAIN RELEASEES.  (a)  A parole officer annually shall identify the releasees under the parole officer's supervision who are eligible for early release from supervision under Section 508.155(c).  A releasee is eligible for early release if:
(1)  the releasee has been under supervision for at least one-half of the time that remained on the releasee's sentence when the releasee was released from imprisonment;
(2)  during the preceding two-year period, the releasee has not committed any violation of the rules or conditions of release;
(3)  during the period of supervision the releasee's parole or release to mandatory supervision has not been revoked; and
(4)  the division determines:
(A)  that the releasee has made a good faith effort to comply with any restitution order imposed on the releasee by a court; and
(B)  that allowing the releasee to serve the remainder of the releasee's sentence without supervision and reporting is in the best interest of society.
(b)  After identifying any releasees who are eligible for early release under Subsection (a), the parole officer shall review the eligible releasees, including any releasees the parole officer has previously declined to recommend for early release, to determine if a recommendation for early release from supervision is appropriate.  In conducting the review and determining recommendations, the parole officer shall consider whether the releasee:
(1)  has a low risk of recidivism as determined by an assessment developed by the department; and
(2)  has made a good faith effort to comply with the conditions of release.
(c)  A parole officer shall forward to the parole supervisor at the regional level any recommendations for early release the parole officer makes under Subsection (b).  If the parole supervisor approves the recommendation, the division shall allow a releasee to serve the remainder of the releasee's sentence without supervision and without being required to report as authorized by Section 508.155.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 42, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.156. Determinate Sentence Parole

Sec. 508.156.  DETERMINATE SENTENCE PAROLE.  (a)  Before the release of a person who is transferred under Section 152.0016(g), 152.00161(e), 245.051(c), or 245.151(e), Human Resources Code, to the department for release on parole, a parole panel shall review the person's records and may interview the person or any other person the panel considers necessary to determine the conditions of parole.  The panel may impose any reasonable condition of parole on the person that the panel may impose on an adult inmate under this chapter.
(b)  The panel shall furnish the person with a written statement clearly describing the conditions and rules of parole.  The person must accept and sign the statement as a precondition to release on parole.
(c)  While on parole, the person remains in the legal custody of the state and shall comply with the conditions of parole ordered by a panel under this section.
(d)  The period of parole for a person released on parole under this section is the term for which the person was sentenced less calendar time served at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or in the custody of a juvenile board or local juvenile probation department following a commitment under Section 54.04011(c)(2), Family Code, and in a juvenile detention facility in connection with the conduct for which the person was adjudicated.
(e)  If a parole panel revokes the person's parole, the panel may require the person to serve the remaining portion of the person's sentence in the institutional division.  The remaining portion of the person's sentence is computed without credit for the time from the date of the person's release to the date of revocation. The panel may not recommit the person to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or to the custody of a juvenile board or local juvenile probation department.
(f)  For purposes of this chapter, a person released from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or the custody of a juvenile board or local juvenile probation department on parole under this section is considered to have been convicted of the offense for which the person has been adjudicated.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 263 (S.B. 103), Sec. 19, eff. June 8, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 85 (S.B. 653), Sec. 3.014, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 734 (H.B. 1549), Sec. 101, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 854 (S.B. 1149), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. Parole and Mandatory Supervision; Release Procedures › Section 508.157. Temporary Housing on Release

Sec. 508.157.  TEMPORARY HOUSING ON RELEASE.  (a)  This section applies only to inmates who are eligible for release on parole or to mandatory supervision and to releasees.
(a-1)  In this section, "residential correctional facility" means a facility operated by or under contract with the department to provide housing, supervision, and programmatic support to individuals released on parole or to mandatory supervision. The term includes a halfway house described by Section 508.118 or a community residential facility described by Section 508.119.  The term does not include a transitional treatment center, a substance abuse felony punishment facility, or any other facility operated by or under contract with the department the primary purpose of which is to provide substance abuse treatment or aftercare.
(b)  If the department does not operate or contract for the operation of a residential correctional facility in the county of legal residence of an inmate or releasee, the department may issue, for an inmate described by Subsection (a) or for a releasee, payment for the cost of temporary post-release housing that:
(1)  meets any conditions or requirements imposed by a parole panel;
(2)  is located in the county of legal residence of the inmate or releasee; and
(3)  except as provided by Subsection (e-1), is in a structure that existed on June 1, 2009, as a multifamily residence or as a motel to which Section 156.001, Tax Code, applies.
(c)  The amount of payment issued under Subsection (b) may not exceed an amount that is equal to the cost the department would incur, for the period for which the payment is issued, to:
(1)  incarcerate the inmate or releasee in a facility operated by or under contract with the department; or
(2)  house the inmate or releasee in a residential correctional facility.
(d)  The department shall issue payment under Subsection (b) out of funds appropriated by the legislature to the department for use in administering the parole system with respect to the housing of inmates on their release.
(e)  The executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
(e-1)  The department may issue payment for post-release housing under Subsection (b) for a structure not described by Subsection (b)(3) if, before issuing payment, the department or the owner of the structure provides, in the same manner as required for a community corrections facility under Section 509.010, notice of the proposed use of the structure under this section and a hearing on the issue of whether the use is appropriate.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (H.B. 3226), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 286 (H.B. 1770), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. -1. Alternative Housing in Certain Counties › Section 508.171. Applicability

Sec. 508.171.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter applies only with respect to alternative housing that is located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 462 (H.B. 954), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. -1. Alternative Housing in Certain Counties › Section 508.172. Alternative Housing Program

Sec. 508.172.  ALTERNATIVE HOUSING PROGRAM.  The department shall require that an applicant to participate as a provider in a program designed to provide alternative housing for two or more unrelated releasees submit with the application, in the manner specified by the department, a permit or other documentation showing that the proposed alternative housing facility is in compliance with all applicable municipal and county regulations.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 462 (H.B. 954), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter E. -1. Alternative Housing in Certain Counties › Section 508.173. Information Regarding Alternative Housing; Notice to Political Subdivision

Sec. 508.173.  INFORMATION REGARDING ALTERNATIVE HOUSING; NOTICE TO POLITICAL SUBDIVISION.  (a)  The department shall maintain the following information regarding releasees:
(1)  a list of facilities providing alternative housing to two or more unrelated releasees, including:
(A)  the name, address, and telephone number of the facility;
(B)  the county in which the facility is located;
(C)  information regarding whether the facility is in compliance with all applicable municipal and county regulations;
(D)  the number of releasees residing at the facility; and
(E)  the maximum capacity of the facility; and
(2)  a list of releasees being housed at a facility described by Subdivision (1), including:
(A)  the releasee's name;
(B)  the county in which the releasee is required to reside under Section 508.181;
(C)  the county in which the releasee committed the offense for which the releasee is on parole or mandatory supervision;
(D)  the alternative housing facility in which the releasee resides; and
(E)  the date on which the releasee began residing at the facility.
(b)  On request of a county or municipality, the department shall provide monthly the information maintained by the department under Subsection (a).  A county or municipality shall notify the department if the county or municipality does not want to continue to receive the information.
(c)  The department shall provide the information to a county or municipality under Subsection (b) by secured electronic mail and in a machine-readable format.
(d)  On request by a member of the legislature, the department shall provide the information maintained by the department under Subsection (a) to the member.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 462 (H.B. 954), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter F. Mandatory Conditions of Parole or Mandatory Supervision › Section 508.182. Parole Supervision Fee; Administrative Fee

Sec. 508.182.  PAROLE SUPERVISION FEE;  ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.  (a)  A parole panel shall require as a condition of parole or mandatory supervision that a releasee pay to the division for each month during which the releasee is under parole supervision:
(1)  a parole supervision fee of $10;  and
(2)  an administrative fee of $8.
(b)  A fee under this section applies to an inmate released in another state who is required as a condition of the inmate's release to report to a parole officer or supervisor in this state for parole supervision.
(c)  On the request of the releasee, a parole panel may allow the releasee to defer one or more payments under this section.  The releasee remains responsible for payment of the fee and shall pay the amount of the deferred payment not later than the second anniversary of the date the payment becomes due.
(d)  The Texas Board of Criminal Justice shall adopt rules relating to the method of payment required of the releasee.
(e)  The division shall remit fees collected under this section to the comptroller.  The comptroller shall deposit the fees collected under:
(1)  Subsection (a)(1) in the general revenue fund;  and
(2)  Subsection (a)(2) in the compensation to victims of crime fund.
(f)  In a parole or mandatory supervision revocation hearing under Section 508.281 at which it is alleged only that the releasee failed to make a payment under this section, it is an affirmative defense to revocation that the releasee is unable to pay the amount as ordered by a parole panel.  The releasee must prove the affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter F. Mandatory Conditions of Parole or Mandatory Supervision › Section 508.183. Educational Skill Level

Sec. 508.183.  EDUCATIONAL SKILL LEVEL.  (a)  A parole panel shall require as a condition of release on parole or release to mandatory supervision that an inmate demonstrate to the parole panel whether the inmate has an educational skill level that is equal to or greater than the average skill level of students who have completed the sixth grade in a public school in this state.
(b)  If the parole panel determines that the inmate has not attained that skill level, the parole panel shall require as a condition of parole or mandatory supervision that the inmate as a releasee attain that level of educational skill, unless the parole panel determines that the inmate lacks the intellectual capacity or the learning ability to ever achieve that level of skill.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter F. Mandatory Conditions of Parole or Mandatory Supervision › Section 508.184. Controlled Substance Testing

Sec. 508.184.  CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TESTING.  (a)  A parole panel shall require as a condition of parole or mandatory supervision that a releasee submit to testing for controlled substances on evidence that:
(1)  a controlled substance is present in the releasee's body;
(2)  the releasee has used a controlled substance;  or
(3)  the use of a controlled substance is related to the offense for which the releasee was convicted.
(b)  The Texas Board of Criminal Justice by rule shall adopt procedures for the administration of a test required under this section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter F. Mandatory Conditions of Parole or Mandatory Supervision › Section 508.185. Substance Abuse Treatment

Sec. 508.185.  SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT.  (a)  A parole panel shall require as a condition of release on parole or release to mandatory supervision that an inmate who immediately before release is a participant in the program established under Section 501.0931 participate as a releasee in a drug or alcohol abuse continuum of care treatment program.
(b)  The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse shall develop the continuum of care treatment program.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter F. Mandatory Conditions of Parole or Mandatory Supervision › Section 508.186. Sex Offender Registration

Sec. 508.186.  SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION.  A parole panel shall require as a condition of parole or mandatory supervision that a releasee required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure:
(1)  register under that chapter; and
(2)  submit a blood sample or other specimen to the Department of Public Safety under Subchapter G, Chapter 411, for the purpose of creating a DNA record of the releasee, unless the releasee has already submitted the required specimen under other state law.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 10.25, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1300, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1008 (H.B. 867), Sec. 1.06, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 508 - Parole and Mandatory Supervision › Subchapter F. Mandatory Conditions of Parole or Mandatory Supervision › Section 508.1861. Prohibitions on Internet Access for Certain Sex Offenders

Sec. 508.1861.  PROHIBITIONS ON INTERNET ACCESS FOR CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS.  (a)  This section applies only to a person who, on release, will be required to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, by court order or otherwise, and:
(1)  is serving a sentence for an offense under Section 21.11, 22.011(a)(2), 22.021(a)(1)(B), 33.021, or 43.25, Penal Code;
(2)  used the Internet or any other type of electronic device used for Internet access to commit the offense or engage in the conduct for which the person is required to register under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(3)  is assigned a numeric risk level of two or three based on an assessment conducted under Article 62.007, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  If the parole panel releases on parole or to mandatory supervision a person described by Subsection (a), the parole panel as a condition of parole or mandatory supervision shall:
(1)  prohibit the releasee from using the Internet to:
(A)  access material that is obscene as defined by Section 43.21, Penal Code;
(B)  access a commercial social networking site, as defined by Article 62.0061(f), Code of Criminal Procedure;
(C)  communicate with any individual concerning sexual relations with an individual who is younger than 17 years of age; or
(D)  communicate with another individual the releasee knows is younger than 17 years of age; and
(2)  to ensure the releasee's compliance with Subdivision (1), require the releasee to submit to regular inspection or monitoring of each electronic device used by the releasee to access the Internet.
(c)  The parole panel may modify at any time the condition described by Subsection (b)(1)(D) if:
(1)  the condition interferes with the releasee's ability to attend school or become or remain employed and consequently constitutes an undue hardship for the releasee; or
(2)  the releasee is the parent or guardian of an individual who is younger than 17 years of age and the releasee is not otherwise prohibited from communicating with that individual.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 755 (S.B. 689), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 684 (H.B. 372), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.