HB3721 - Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice concerning the transparency, oversight, and accountability of the use of the restrictive housing, security threat groups, and certain disciplinary measures.

      By: Meza H.B. No. 3721       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice   concerning the transparency, oversight, and accountability of the   use of the restrictive housing, security threat groups, and certain   disciplinary measures          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  TITLE. This bill shall be known as the   Restrictive Housing / Solitary Confinement Standards and Reporting   Act.          SECTION 2.  PURPOSE. The purpose of this bill is to enhance   transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding the use of   solitary confinement, also known as restrictive housing, STG, G4,   G5, ALU, and Death Row in TDCJ correctional facilities.  The goal is   to track progress in improving standards for the treatment of   individuals in all forms of restrictive housing/solitary   confinement to ensure that correctional institutions uphold the   mental, physical, and rehabilitative well-being of those   incarcerated.          SECTION 3.  DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act:          (a)  Restrictive Housing includes all forms of solitary   confinement in TDCJ (G4, G5, STG, ALU, and Death Row).  It refers to   the practice of placing an inmate in a physically isolated cell or   unit, with limited or no social interaction, with restrictions on   the amount of time outside the cell, and access to rehabilitative   programs or services.          (b)  Restricted Housing refers to a similar form of   confinement as above, involving isolation with limited privileges,   often used for inmates who pose a risk to safety or security.          (c)  Rehabilitative Programs refer to activities or services   aimed at improving the behavioral, psychological, educational, and   vocational outcomes for individuals incarcerated in solitary   confinement.          (d)  Mental Health Diagnoses include any recognized   condition affecting the mental or emotional health of an   individual, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and   schizophrenia, among others.          (e)  Medical or Psychiatric Emergencies refers to situations   where an individual in solitary confinement experiences severe   mental or physical distress that requires immediate medical or   psychiatric attention.          SECTION 4.  DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The   Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall collect   comprehensive data to monitor and evaluate the use of solitary   confinement, also known as restricted housing.  This data will be   used to track progress toward improving the conditions, standards,   and overall impact of solitary confinement placements.  An annual   report shall be submitted to the Legislature containing data   including personal information, reasons for placement, program   access, staffing ratios, duration, facility utilization, mental   health impacts, and appeal outcomes.          SECTION 5.  COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT. The Department   shall ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the data collected   under this Act.  Non-compliance will result in corrective actions   and potential independent audits.  Any individual found to have   been wrongfully placed in solitary confinement or subjected to   prolonged confinement without just cause shall have legal recourse.          SECTION 6.  IMPLEMENTATION. The Department of Corrections   and Rehabilitation shall begin implementing the provisions of this   Act within six months of the date of its enactment.  Necessary   adjustments to data collection systems, staff training, and   reporting protocols shall be completed in a timely manner.          SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect on September 5, 2025,   or as soon as possible thereafter.