HB3723 - Relating to the access of certain individuals in correctional facilities to certain rehabilitative treatments.

      By: Meza H.B. No. 3723       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the access of certain individuals in correctional   facilities to certain rehabilitative treatments.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  This act may be cited as the "Rehabilitation   Access for Security Threat Group Members Act."          SECTION 2.  FINDINGS. The Legislature finds that:          1.  Security Threat Groups (STGs) are defined by the Texas   Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as groups or associations of   inmates whose activities pose a threat to the safety and security of   correctional facilities, staff, and the general public.          2.  Rehabilitation programs are critical to reducing   recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.          3.  Offen1ers who have committed crimes related to drug or   substance use should have access to rehabilitative programs that   directly relate to their crime of conviction, regardless of their   STG status.          4.  Current policies may restrict access to specific   rehabilitative programs for STG members, creating barriers to   education and treatment directly related to their offense.          5.  The effective rehabilitation of individuals with   substance abuse issues is a key factor in reducing future criminal   behavior and promoting safer communities.          SECTION 3.  AMENDMENT TO TDCJ POLICIES AND PRACTICES:          (a)  Mandatory Access to Rehabilitative Programs.                (1)  The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)   shall ensure that all inmates, including those classified as   members of Security Threat Groups (STGs), have equal and   unobstructed access to rehabilitative programs directly related to   their crime of conviction, provided they meet all program   requirements.          (b)  Program Relevance to Crime of Conviction. Inmates   convicted of drug or substance-related offenses shall have equal   access to the following types of rehabilitative programs:                (1)  Drug and substance use prevention programs;                (2)  Drug and substance use rehabilitation programs;                (3)  Substance use education programs;                (4)  Any other programs designed to address or reduce   the likelihood of future offenses related to drug and substance   abuse.          (c)  Non-Discriminatory Access. No individual shall be   denied access to these programs solely on the basis of their STG   status, and all eligible inmates shall have the opportunity to   participate in relevant programs without restriction due to   classification.          SECTION 4.  PROGRAM EVALUATION AND REPORTING. (a) The TDCJ   shall, within one year of the passage of this Act, establish an   evaluation and reporting process to monitor the effectiveness of   this policy. The evaluation shall include:                (1)  Data on the participation rates of STG members in   rehabilitative programs related to their crime of conviction;                (2)  The outcomes of these programs in terms of   substance abuse reduction while in custody;                (3)  Any barriers to access that exist for STG members.          (b)  The TDCJ shall submit a report to the legislature every   two years detailing the success of the program and any necessary   adjustments or recommendations for improvements.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025 and   applies to all persons incarcerated during and after the passage of   this act.