reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.007. Inmate Claims for Lost or Damaged Property

Sec. 501.007.  INMATE CLAIMS FOR LOST OR DAMAGED PROPERTY.  The department may pay from the miscellaneous funds appropriated to the division claims made by inmates housed in facilities operated by the department for property lost or damaged by the division.  The department shall maintain a record of all transactions made under this section.  The record must show the amount of each claim paid, the identity of each claimant, and the purpose for which each claim was made.  The department may not pay under this section more than $500 on a claim.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.007 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.075, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1083 (S.B. 1179), Sec. 8, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.008. Inmate Grievance System

Sec. 501.008.  INMATE GRIEVANCE SYSTEM.  (a)  The department shall develop and maintain a system for the resolution of grievances by inmates housed in facilities operated by the department or under contract with the department that qualifies for certification under 42 U.S.C. Section 1997e and the department shall obtain and maintain certification under that section.  A remedy provided by the grievance system is the exclusive administrative remedy available to an inmate for a claim for relief against the department that arises while the inmate is housed in a facility operated by the department or under contract with the department, other than a remedy provided by writ of habeas corpus challenging the validity of an action occurring before the delivery of the inmate to the department or to a facility operated under contract with the department.
(b)  The grievance system must provide procedures:
(1)  for an inmate to identify evidence to substantiate the inmate's claim;  and
(2)  for an inmate to receive all formal written responses to the inmate's grievance.
(c)  A report, investigation, or supporting document prepared by the department in response to an inmate grievance is considered to have been prepared in anticipation of litigation and is confidential, privileged, and not subject to discovery by the inmate in a claim arising out of the same operative facts as are alleged in the grievance.
(d)  An inmate may not file a claim in state court regarding operative facts for which the grievance system provides the exclusive administrative remedy until:
(1)  the inmate receives a written decision issued by the highest authority provided for in the grievance system;  or
(2)  if the inmate has not received a written decision described by Subdivision (1), the 180th day after the date the grievance is filed.
(e)  The limitations period applicable to a claim arising out of the same operative facts as a claim for which the grievance system provides the exclusive remedy:
(1)  is suspended on the filing of the grievance;  and
(2)  remains suspended until the earlier of the following dates:
(A)  the 180th day after the date the grievance is filed;  or
(B)  the date the inmate receives the written decision described by Subsection (d)(1).
(f)  This section does not affect any immunity from a claim for damages that otherwise exists for the state, the department, or an employee of the department.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.008 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 378, Sec. 6, eff. June 8, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.0081. Dispute Resolution: Time-Served Credits

Sec. 501.0081.  DISPUTE RESOLUTION:  TIME-SERVED CREDITS.  (a)  The department shall develop a system that allows resolution of a complaint by an inmate who alleges that time credited on the inmate's sentence is in error and does not accurately reflect the amount of time-served credit to which the inmate is entitled.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), an inmate may not in an application for a writ of habeas corpus under Article 11.07, Code of Criminal Procedure, raise as a claim a time-served credit error until:
(1)  the inmate receives a written decision issued by the highest authority provided for in the resolution system;  or
(2)  if the inmate has not received a written decision described by Subdivision (1), the 180th day after the date on which under the resolution system the inmate first alleges the time-served credit error.
(c)  Subsection (b) does not apply to an inmate who, according to the department's computations, is within 180 days of the inmate's presumptive parole date, date of release on mandatory supervision, or date of discharge.  An inmate described by this subsection may raise a claim of time-served credit error by filing a complaint under the system described by Subsection (a) or, if an application for a writ of habeas corpus is not otherwise barred, by raising the claim in that application.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1188, Sec. 1.38(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.009. Volunteer and Faith-Based Organizations; Report

Sec. 501.009.  VOLUNTEER AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS; REPORT.  (a)  The department shall adopt a policy that requires each warden to identify volunteer and faith-based organizations that provide programs for inmates housed in facilities operated by the department.  The policy must require each warden to actively encourage volunteer and faith-based organizations to provide the following programs for inmates in the warden's facility:
(1)  literacy and education programs;
(2)  life skills programs;
(3)  job skills programs;
(4)  parent-training programs;
(5)  drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs;
(6)  support group programs;
(7)  arts and crafts programs; and
(8)  other programs determined by the department to aid inmates in the transition between confinement and society and to reduce incidence of recidivism among inmates.
(b)  The policy must require that each warden submit a report to the board not later than December 31 of each year that includes, for the preceding fiscal year, a summary of:
(1)  the programs provided to inmates under this section; and
(2)  the actions taken by the warden to identify volunteer and faith-based organizations willing to provide programs to inmates and to encourage those organizations to provide programs in the warden's facility.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.009 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.076, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1406 (S.B. 345), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.010. Visitors

Sec. 501.010.  VISITORS.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Guardian" has the meaning assigned by Section 1002.012, Estates Code.
(2)  "Letters of guardianship" means a certificate issued under Section 1106.001(a), Estates Code.
(a-1)  The institutional division shall allow the governor, members of the legislature, and members of the executive and judicial branches to enter at proper hours any part of a facility operated by the division where inmates are housed or worked, for the purpose of observing the operations of the division.  A visitor described by this subsection may talk with inmates away from institutional division employees.
(b)  The institutional division shall have a uniform visitation policy that allows eligible inmates housed in facilities operated by the division, other than state jails, to receive visitors.  The institutional division shall require each warden in the division to:
(1)  apply the policy in the unit under the warden's control;
(2)  prominently display copies of the policy in locations in the unit that are accessible to inmates or visitors;  and
(3)  if requested, provide visitors with copies of the policy.
(b-1)  The uniform visitation policy must:
(1)  allow visitation by a guardian of an inmate to the same extent as the inmate's next of kin, including placing the guardian on the inmate's approved visitors list on the guardian's request and providing the guardian access to the inmate during a facility's standard visitation hours if the inmate is otherwise eligible to receive visitors; and
(2)  require the guardian to provide the warden with letters of guardianship before being allowed to visit the inmate.
(b-2)  Regardless of the implementation of video visitation or visitation by other electronic means, the uniform visitation policy must allow in-person visitation for eligible inmates, provided that the policy may allow the temporary suspension of in-person visitation for a health or safety emergency.
(c)  At the end of each biennium, each warden in the institutional division shall report to the director of the division on the manner in which the policy has affected visitation at the warden's unit during the preceding two years.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.010 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.077, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 634), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 328 (H.B. 2708), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.011. Zero-Tolerance Policy

Sec. 501.011.  ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY.  (a)  The department shall adopt a zero-tolerance policy concerning the detection, prevention, and punishment of the sexual abuse, including consensual sexual contact, of inmates in the custody of the department.
(b)  The department shall establish standards for reporting and collecting data on the sexual abuse of inmates in the custody of the department.
(c)  The department shall establish a procedure for inmates in the custody of the department and department employees to report incidents of sexual abuse involving an inmate in the custody of the department.  The procedure must designate a person employed at the department facility in which the abuse is alleged to have occurred as well as a person who is employed at the department's headquarters to whom a person may report an incident of sexual abuse.
(d)  The department shall prominently display the following notice in the office of the chief administrator of each department facility, the employees' break room of each department facility, the cafeteria of each department facility, and at least six additional locations in each department facility:
THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE HAS ADOPTED A ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY REGARDING THE SEXUAL ABUSE, INCLUDING CONSENSUAL SEXUAL CONTACT, OF AN INMATE IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT.  ANY SUCH VIOLATION MUST BE REPORTED TO __________.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 23, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.012. Family Liaison Officer

Sec. 501.012.  FAMILY LIAISON OFFICER.  The director of the institutional division shall designate one employee at each facility operated by the institutional division to serve as family liaison officer for that facility.  The family liaison officer shall facilitate the maintenance of ties between inmates and their families for the purpose of reducing recidivism.  Each family liaison officer shall:
(1)  provide inmates' relatives with information about the classification status, location, and health of inmates in the facility;
(2)  notify inmates about emergencies involving their families and provide inmates with other necessary information relating to their families;  and
(3)  assist inmates' relatives and other persons during visits with inmates and aid those persons in resolving problems that may affect permitted contact with inmates.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.012 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.079, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.013. Materials Used for Arts and Crafts

Sec. 501.013.  MATERIALS USED FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS.  (a)  The institutional division may purchase materials to be used by inmates housed in facilities operated by the division to produce arts and crafts.
(b)  The institutional division may allow an inmate housed in a facility operated by the division who produces arts and crafts in the division to sell those arts and crafts to the general public in a manner determined by the division.
(c)  If an inmate housed in a facility operated by the division sells arts and crafts and the materials used in the production of the arts and crafts were provided by the division, the proceeds of the sale go first to the division to pay for the cost of the materials, and the remainder, if any, goes to the inmate.  The institutional division may not purchase more than $30 of materials for any inmate unless the inmate has repaid the division in full for previous purchases of materials.
(d)  The manufacturing and logistics division and the institutional division shall work cooperatively in supervising the production and sale of arts and crafts under this section.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.013 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.080, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1056, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.0155. Providing Discharged or Released Inmate With Documentation for Employment

Sec. 501.0155.  PROVIDING DISCHARGED OR RELEASED INMATE WITH DOCUMENTATION FOR EMPLOYMENT.  When an inmate who is able to work, as determined by the department based on the inmate's age or mental or physical condition, is discharged or released on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon and the intended residence designated by the inmate is in this state, the department shall provide the inmate with relevant documentation to assist the inmate in obtaining post-release employment, including:
(1)  as applicable, a copy of the inmate's job training record described by Section 497.094 and the inmate's work record described by Section 497.095; and
(2)  for an inmate who completed a prerelease program required by a parole panel as a condition of release:
(A)  a resume that includes any trade learned by the inmate and the inmate's proficiency at that trade; and
(B)  documentation that the inmate has completed a practice job interview.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 364 (H.B. 918), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2020.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.016. Discharge or Release Papers; Release Date

Sec. 501.016.  DISCHARGE OR RELEASE PAPERS;  RELEASE DATE.  (a)  The department shall prepare and provide an inmate with the inmate's discharge or release papers when the inmate is entitled to be discharged or to be released on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon.  The papers must be dated and signed by the officer preparing the papers and bear the seal of the department.  The papers must contain:
(1)  the inmate's name;
(2)  a statement of the offense or offenses for which the inmate was sentenced;
(3)  the date on which the defendant was sentenced and the length of the sentence;
(4)  the name of the county in which the inmate was sentenced;
(5)  the amount of calendar time the inmate actually served;
(6)  a statement of any trade learned by the inmate and the inmate's proficiency at that trade;  and
(7)  the physical description of the inmate, as far as practicable.
(b)  If the release date of an inmate occurs on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the department may release the inmate on the preceding workday.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.016 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.083, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.0165. State-Issued Identification; Necessary Documentation

Sec. 501.0165.  STATE-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION; NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION.  (a)  Before discharging an inmate or releasing an inmate on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon, the department shall:
(1)  determine whether the inmate has:
(A)  a valid license issued under Chapter 521 or 522, Transportation Code; or
(B)  a valid personal identification certificate issued under Chapter 521, Transportation Code; and
(2)  if the inmate does not have a valid license or certificate described by Subdivision (1), submit to the Department of Public Safety on behalf of the inmate a request for the issuance of a personal identification certificate under Chapter 521, Transportation Code.
(b)  The department shall submit a request under Subsection (a)(2) as soon as is practicable to enable the department to provide the inmate with the personal identification certificate when the department discharges or releases the inmate.
(c)  The department, the Department of Public Safety, and the bureau of vital statistics of the Department of State Health Services shall by rule adopt a memorandum of understanding that establishes their respective responsibilities with respect to the issuance of a personal identification certificate to an inmate, including responsibilities related to verification of the inmate's identity.  The memorandum of understanding must require the Department of State Health Services to electronically verify the birth record of an inmate whose name and any other personal information is provided by the department and to electronically report the recorded filing information to the Department of Public Safety to validate the identity of an inmate under this section.
(d)  The department shall reimburse the Department of Public Safety or the Department of State Health Services for the actual costs incurred by those agencies in performing responsibilities established under this section.  The department may charge an inmate for the actual costs incurred under this section or the fees required by Section 521.421, Transportation Code.
(e)  This section does not apply to an inmate who:
(1)  is not legally present in the United States; or
(2)  was not a resident of this state before the person was placed in the custody of the department.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288 (H.B. 2161), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.0166. Providing Discharged or Released Inmate With Birth Certificate and Social Security Card

Sec. 501.0166.  PROVIDING DISCHARGED OR RELEASED INMATE WITH BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND SOCIAL SECURITY CARD.  (a)  In addition to complying with the requirements of Section 501.0165 regarding a license or personal identification certificate for an inmate being discharged or released on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon, the department must:
(1)  determine whether the inmate has a:
(A)  certified copy of the inmate's birth certificate; and
(B)  copy of the inmate's social security card; and
(2)  if the inmate does not have a document described by Subdivision (1), submit to the appropriate entity on behalf of the inmate a request for the issuance of the applicable document.
(b)  The department shall submit a request under Subsection (a)(2) as soon as is practicable to enable the department to provide the inmate with the applicable document when the department discharges or releases the inmate.
(c)  This section does not apply to an inmate who:
(1)  is not legally present in the United States; or
(2)  was not a resident of this state before the person was placed in the custody of the department.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 364 (H.B. 918), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2020.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.017. Cost of Confinement as Claim

Sec. 501.017.  COST OF CONFINEMENT AS CLAIM.  (a)  The department may establish a claim and lien against the estate of an inmate who dies while confined in a facility operated by or under contract with the department for the cost to the department of the inmate's confinement.
(b)  The department may not enforce a claim or lien established under this section if the inmate has a surviving spouse or a surviving dependent or disabled child.
(c)  The department shall adopt policies regarding recovery of the cost of confinement through enforcement of claims or liens established under this section.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.017 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.084, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.019. Cost of Confinement as Claim; Setoff

Sec. 501.019.  COST OF CONFINEMENT AS CLAIM;  SETOFF.  (a)  The state may deduct from any monetary obligation owed to an incarcerated person:
(1)  the cost of incarceration, if a cost of incarceration for the person can be computed;  and
(2)  any amount assessed against the person under Section 14.006, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, that remains unpaid at the time the monetary obligation is to be paid.
(b)  In a case in which a person may be indemnified under Chapter 104, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and that arises from a claim made by a person for whom a cost of incarceration can be computed, the court shall reduce the amount recoverable by the claimant by the amount of the cost of incarceration.
(c)  The annual cost of incarceration of a person shall be computed using the average cost per day for imprisonment calculated by the Criminal Justice Policy Council.
(d)  In making a deduction under Subsection (a) or in reducing an award under Subsection (b), the department or the court shall credit or debit a prorated portion of the cost of incarceration for a person incarcerated for 365 days or less in a year.  The number of days of incarceration in a year includes time served before conviction.
(e)  This section applies to a monetary obligation arising from a judgment against the state, an agency of the state, or an officer or employee of the state or an agency of the state, only if:
(1)  the judgment awards damages for property damage or bodily injury resulting from a negligent act or omission, including an act or omission described by Section 101.021(1), Civil Practice and Remedies Code;  and
(2)  there is not a finding by the court of a violation of the constitution of this state or the United States.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 378, Sec. 7, eff. June 8, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.021. Use of Inmates in Training Prohibited

Sec. 501.021.  USE OF INMATES IN TRAINING PROHIBITED.  The department may not use an inmate in a program that trains dogs to attack individuals without the inmate's permission.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.085, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.0215. Educational Programming for Pregnant Inmates

Sec. 501.0215.  EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR PREGNANT INMATES.  The department shall develop and provide to each pregnant inmate educational programming relating to pregnancy and parenting.  The programming must include instruction regarding:
(1)  appropriate prenatal care and hygiene;
(2)  the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugs on a developing fetus;
(3)  parenting skills; and
(4)  medical and mental health issues applicable to children.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 123 (H.B. 650), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.022. Infant Care and Parenting

Sec. 501.022.  INFANT CARE AND PARENTING.  The department shall implement a residential infant care and parenting program for mothers who are confined by the department.  To the extent practicable, the department shall model the program after the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Mothers and Infants Together program operated under contract in Fort Worth.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 824 (H.B. 199), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.023. Information Concerning Foster Care History

Sec. 501.023.  INFORMATION CONCERNING FOSTER CARE HISTORY.  (a)  The department, during the diagnostic process, shall assess each inmate with respect to whether the inmate has at any time been in the conservatorship of a state agency responsible for providing child protective services.
(b)  Not later than December 31 of each year, the department shall submit a report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature and shall make the report available to the public on the department's Internet website.  The report must summarize statistical information concerning the total number of inmates who have at any time been in the conservatorship of a state agency responsible for providing child protective services, including, disaggregated by age, the number of inmates who have not previously served a term of imprisonment.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1032 (H.B. 2719), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 761 (H.B. 1191), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.024. Verification of Inmate Veteran Status

Sec. 501.024.  VERIFICATION OF INMATE VETERAN STATUS.  (a)  The department, during the diagnostic process, shall record information relating to an inmate's military history in the inmate's admission sheet and intake screening form, or any other similar document.
(b)  The department shall:
(1)  in consultation with the Texas Veterans Commission, investigate and verify the veteran status of each inmate by using the best available federal data; and
(2)  use the data described by Subdivision (1) to assist inmates who are veterans in applying for federal benefits or compensation for which the inmates may be eligible under a program administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 261 (H.B. 634), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 281 (H.B. 875), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Redesignated from Government Code, Section 501.023 by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1236 (S.B. 1296), Sec. 21.001(24), eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.025. Veterans Services Coordinator

Sec. 501.025.  VETERANS SERVICES COORDINATOR.  (a)  The department shall establish a veterans services coordinator to coordinate responses to the needs of veterans under the supervision of the department, including veterans who are released on parole or mandatory supervision.  The veterans services coordinator, with the cooperation of the community justice assistance division, shall provide information to community supervision and corrections departments to help those departments coordinate responses to the needs of veterans placed on community supervision.  The veterans services coordinator shall coordinate veterans' services for all of the department's divisions.
(b)  The veterans services coordinator, in collaboration with the attorney general's office, shall provide each incarcerated veteran a child support modification application.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 987 (H.B. 865), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.026. Limitation on Certain Searches

Sec. 501.026.  LIMITATION ON CERTAIN SEARCHES.  The department shall adopt a policy regarding a search of any room or other area that occurs while a female inmate who is not fully clothed is present in the room or area.  The policy must:
(1)  require that the search be conducted by a female correctional officer if one is available;
(2)  include staffing procedures to ensure the availability of female officers; and
(3)  provide that if it is necessary for a male correctional officer to conduct the search, the officer must submit a written report explaining the reasons for the search to the warden not later than 72 hours after the search.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 123 (H.B. 650), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter A. General Welfare Provisions › Section 501.027. Access to Programs by Female Inmates

Sec. 501.027.  ACCESS TO PROGRAMS BY FEMALE INMATES.  (a)  The department shall develop and implement policies that increase and promote a female inmate's access to programs offered to inmates in the custody of the department, including educational, vocational, substance use treatment, rehabilitation, life skills training, and prerelease programs.  The department may not reduce or limit a male inmate's access to a program to meet the requirements of this section.
(b)  Not later than December 31 of each year, the department shall:
(1)  prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, each standing committee of the legislature having primary jurisdiction over the department, and the reentry task force described by Section 501.098 a written report that includes:
(A)  a description of any department policies that were created, modified, or eliminated during the preceding year to meet the requirements of this section; and
(B)  a list of programs available to female inmates in the custody of the department during the preceding year; and
(2)  publish the report on the department's Internet website.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 3227), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
Redesignated from Government Code, Section 501.026 by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 915 (H.B. 3607), Sec. 21.001(31), eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.051. Medical Facilities at University of Texas Medical Branch

Sec. 501.051.  MEDICAL FACILITIES AT UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH.  (a)  The medical facility constructed by the institutional division at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston shall be used as a teaching facility and be limited to patients who are teaching patients, as long as the medical facility is used for the treatment of department patients.  The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System shall maintain and operate the facility and provide professional staff services necessary for the care of patients in the facility, except that the department shall provide security at the facility.  The facility shall provide the same level of care as is provided for patients in other facilities of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
(b)  If the medical facility ceases to be used for department patients, the facility shall revert to the medical branch for its use and be operated under the exclusive management and control of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System.
(c)  The medical facility shall be operated with funds appropriated for that purpose.
(d)  The department shall establish and maintain an overnight holding facility for inmate outpatients at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
(e)  The department and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston shall by rule adopt a memorandum of understanding that establishes the responsibilities of the department and the medical branch in maintaining the department's medical facility, providing security, and providing medical care.  The memorandum must also establish a joint peer review committee and a joint utilization review committee.  Each committee shall be composed of medical personnel employed by the department and by the medical branch.  The joint peer review committee shall review all case files to determine whether the quality of medical care provided is adequate, according to accepted medical standards.  The joint utilization review committee shall review all case files to determine whether treatment given is medically necessary under the circumstances of each case, taking into account accepted medical standards.  The department shall coordinate the development of the memorandum of understanding.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.051 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.086, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.0515. Procedures for Transportation of Female Inmates for Medical Care

Sec. 501.0515.  PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION OF FEMALE INMATES FOR MEDICAL CARE.  The department shall establish procedures to be used during the regularly scheduled transportation of female inmates for nonemergency medical care to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston or another medical facility that provides medical services for inmates.  The procedures must ensure that:
(1)  any searches conducted are performed in an area and manner that conforms with the requirements of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (34 U.S.C. Section 30301 et seq.) and any regulation adopted under that Act;
(2)  buses used to transport female inmates are equipped with bathrooms and have an adequate supply of toilet paper and feminine hygiene products as defined by Section 501.0675 for the inmates being transported;
(3)  female inmates receive sufficient food and nutrition in accordance with medical or nutritional standards as determined by the department; and
(4)  facilities used to house female inmates overnight while being transported have an adequate number of beds for the inmates being transported.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1162 (S.B. 1146), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.052. Medical Residencies

Sec. 501.052.  MEDICAL RESIDENCIES.  The department may establish a residency program or a rotation program to employ or train physicians to treat inmates in the department.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.052 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.087, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.053. Reports of Physician Misconduct

Sec. 501.053.  REPORTS OF PHYSICIAN MISCONDUCT.  (a)  If the department receives an allegation that a physician employed or under contract with the department has committed an action that constitutes a ground for the denial or revocation of the physician's license under Section 164.051, Occupations Code, the department shall report the information to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners in the manner provided by Section 154.051, Occupations Code.
(b)  The department shall provide the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners with a copy of any report or finding relating to an investigation of an allegation reported to the board.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.053 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.088, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.763, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.055. Report of Inmate Death

Sec. 501.055.  REPORT OF INMATE DEATH.  (a)  If an inmate dies while in the custody of the department, an employee of the facility who is in charge of the inmate shall immediately notify the nearest justice of the peace serving in the county in which the inmate died and the office of internal affairs for the department.  The justice shall personally inspect the body and make an inquiry as to the cause of death.  The justice shall make written copies of evidence taken during the inquest, and give one copy to the director and one copy to a district judge serving in the county in which the inmate died.  The judge shall provide the copy to the grand jury and, if the judge determines the evidence indicates wrongdoing, instruct the grand jury to thoroughly investigate the cause of death.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply if the inmate:
(1)  dies of natural causes while attended by a physician or a registered nurse;  or
(2)  is lawfully executed.
(c)  If an inmate dies as described by Subsection (b)(1), the department or an authorized official of the department shall immediately attempt to notify the next of kin of the inmate that the inmate has died, state the time of the inmate's death, and inform the next of kin that unless the next of kin objects to the department within eight hours of the stated time of death, an autopsy will be conducted on the inmate.
(d)  If the next of kin consents to the autopsy or does not within eight hours of the time of death file an objection with the department about the autopsy, the department or an authorized official of the department shall order an autopsy to be conducted on the inmate.  The order of an autopsy under this subsection constitutes consent to an autopsy for the purposes of Article 49.32, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(e)  For purposes of this section, an "inmate in the custody of the department" is a convicted felon who:
(1)  is confined in a secure correctional facility operated by or under contract with the department;  or
(2)  has been admitted for treatment into a hospital while remaining in the custody of the department.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.055 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.090, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 950 (H.B. 1009), Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.0551. Anatomical Gifts

Sec. 501.0551.  ANATOMICAL GIFTS.  (a)  The department, during the diagnostic process, shall provide each inmate with a form on which the inmate may indicate whether the inmate wishes to be an eye, tissue, or organ donor if the inmate dies while in the custody of the department.
(b)  If an inmate indicates on the form that the inmate wishes to be a donor, the effect is the same as if the inmate executed a statement of gift under Section 521.401, Transportation Code.
(c)  The department shall adopt procedures to provide inmates with the form described by Subsection (a).
(d)  Expired.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 3, eff. June 20, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.056. Contract for Care of Inmates With Mental Illness or Intellectual Disability

Sec. 501.056.  CONTRACT FOR CARE OF INMATES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY.  The department shall contract with the Health and Human Services Commission for provision of commission facilities, treatment, and habilitation for inmates with mental illness or an intellectual disability in the custody of the department.  The contract must provide:
(1)  detailed characteristics of the inmate population with mental illness and the inmate population with intellectual disabilities to be affected under the contract;
(2)  for the respective responsibilities of the commission and the department with regard to the care and supervision of the affected inmates; and
(3)  that the department remains responsible for security.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.056 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.091, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 30 (H.B. 446), Sec. 5.12, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.057. Civil Commitment Before Parole

Sec. 501.057.  CIVIL COMMITMENT BEFORE PAROLE.  (a)  The department shall establish a system to identify mentally ill inmates who are nearing eligibility for release on parole.
(b)  Not later than the 30th day before the initial parole eligibility date of an inmate identified as mentally ill, an institutional division psychiatrist shall examine the inmate.  The psychiatrist shall file a sworn application for court-ordered temporary mental health services under Chapter 574, Health and Safety Code, if the psychiatrist determines that the inmate is mentally ill and as a result of the illness the inmate meets at least one of the criteria listed in Section 574.034 or 574.0345, Health and Safety Code.
(c)  The psychiatrist shall include with the application a sworn certificate of medical examination for mental illness in the form prescribed by Section 574.011, Health and Safety Code.
(d)  The institutional division is liable for costs incurred for a hearing under Chapter 574, Health and Safety Code, that follows an application filed by a division psychiatrist under this section.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.057 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 321, Sec. 1.092, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 582 (S.B. 362), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.058. Compensation of Psychiatrists

Sec. 501.058.  COMPENSATION OF PSYCHIATRISTS.  The amount of compensation paid by the institutional division to psychiatrists employed by the division should be similar to the amount of compensation authorized for the Health and Human Services Commission to pay to psychiatrists.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 212, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Renumbered from Sec. 500.058 and amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 10.01(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 30 (H.B. 446), Sec. 5.13, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle G - Corrections › Chapter 501 - Inmate Welfare › Subchapter B. General Medical and Mental Health Care Provisions › Section 501.059. Screening for and Education Concerning Fetal Alcohol Exposure During Pregnancy

Sec. 501.059.  SCREENING FOR AND EDUCATION CONCERNING FETAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY.  (a)  The department shall establish a screening program to identify female inmates who are:
(1)  between the ages of 18 and 44;
(2)  sentenced to a term of confinement not to exceed two years; and
(3)  at risk for having a pregnancy with alcohol-related complications, including giving birth to a child with alcohol-related birth defects.
(b)  The screening program established under Subsection (a) must:
(1)  evaluate the family planning practices of each female inmate described by Subsection (a) in relation to the inmate's consumption of alcohol and risk of having a pregnancy with alcohol-related complications;
(2)  include an objective screening tool to be used by department employees administering the screening program; and
(3)  occur during the diagnostic process or at another time determined by the department.
(c)  The department shall provide:
(1)  a brief substance abuse intervention to all female inmates identified by the screening program as being at risk for having a pregnancy with alcohol-related complications; and
(2)  an educational brochure describing the risks and dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy to all female inmates.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 24, eff. June 15, 2007.