HB3725 - Relating to the reform of solitary confinement practices and the treatment of prisoners affiliated with security threat groups in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

      By: Meza H.B. No. 3725       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the reform of solitary confinement practices and the   treatment of prisoners affiliated with security threat groups in   the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  PURPOSE AND FINDINGS. The Texas Legislature   finds that:                (1)  The use of indefinite solitary confinement,   particularly for individuals classified as members of Security   Threat Groups (STGs), has been shown to have detrimental effects on   mental health and rehabilitation.                (2)  The use of solitary confinement as a tool for   classification, rather than based on actual behavior or   disciplinary actions, is ineffective and counterproductive.                (3)  It is essential to promote rehabilitation,   reintegration, and due process for all incarcerated individuals,   ensuring the protection of their constitutional rights while   maintaining public safety.                (4)  Reforming the practices surrounding solitary   confinement, the classification system, and parole review   processes will better align with constitutional standards and   foster the rehabilitation of individuals incarcerated in Texas   prisons.          SECTION 2.  AMENDMENT OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT PRACTICES.   (a) Abolition of Indefinite Solitary Confinement for STG Members.   Effective September 5th, 2026, the Texas Department of Criminal   Justice (TDCJ) shall no longer use indefinite solitary confinement   (Restricted Housing, RH) for individuals solely based on their   classification as confirmed or alleged members of a Security Threat   Group (STG).          (b)  Behavioral-Based RH Assignment. Effective September   5th, 2026, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) shall no   longer use indefinite solitary confinement (Restricted Housing,   RH) for individuals solely based on their classification as   confirmed or alleged members of a Security Threat Group (STG).          (c)  Criteria for Release from RH. Upon assignment to RH,   the individual shall be informed of clear and firm criteria for   release. If the individual meets the established criteria, they   shall be released back to the general population. TDCJ officials   shall be required to consider all relevant factors and behavior   when determining release from RH. Failure to do so will subject   officials to sanctions, including potential administrative   actions.          (d)  Step-Down Program for STG Affiliates. Confirmed STG   affiliates who are found guilty of RH-eligible offenses will be   placed in a two-year step-down program designed for their gradual   return to general population after serving their RH term. Only   major offenses involving violent conduct, including serious bodily   injury or dangerous contraband, may result in an additional term of   up to two or five years.          (e)  Creation of Restricted Custody General Population   (RCGP). TDCJ is directed to establish a new custody level known as   the Restricted Custody General Population (RCGP), which shall serve   as a secure alternative to solitary confinement for individuals   who:                (1)  Are confirmed STG members but refuse to   participate in the step-down program.                (2)  Have engaged in repeated misconduct in RH that   does not raise to the level of an RH eligible offense. RCGP shall   include provisions allowing prisoners to:                      (A)  Move around the facility without restraints.                      (B)  Participate in group recreation and contact   visits with family members.                      (C)  Engage in rehabilitative programs, including   educational and vocational training.          (f)  Release of Long-Term RH Inmates. Any individual in RH   for any reason (&TG or non-&TG) who has been in RH for more than five   years as of January 10, 2026, and who has not committed a major   RH-eligible disciplinary infraction within the past two years,   shall be immediately released to the general population. No   individual shall be kept in RH or solitary confinement for more than   10 years.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.