Action Alert
Strengthen Efforts to Improve Programming and Conditions in TDCJ
Updated Notice: This action alert is now expired. Thank you for helping us take action.
Help strengthen HB 1515! Learn more below.
In 2024, the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission evaluated the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and found a lack of strategic planning and oversight over rehabilitation programming, staffing, and overall use of presently owned institutions. Texas legislators have introduced HB 1515 to correct these issues. This bill requires the department to be more comprehensive and intentional in providing rehabilitative programming, including post-secondary education and reentry planning; it also calls for improved planning around maintaining safe and manageable facilities.
While we commend the authors of this bill for making a concerted effort to move the department towards data-driven rehabilitative approaches and structural efficiencies that allow for safe and healthy population management, some changes could still yet be made to the current bill language that would improve and strengthen the department’s efforts to meet these goals.
You Can Contact Any Member of the Committee
See below for Members of the House Committee on Corrections:
Phone Call Wording
Hello, may I please speak with a staff member for Representative (their last name) about House Bill 1515 regarding improving TDCJ’s efforts in meeting the goals put forth by the Sunset Commission? Hi, my name is (your name). I am a (resident/constituent/concerned member) from (your city), Texas. I would like to ask that you vote to strengthen HB 1515. (explain why)
Email Template
Dear [Name],
I am writing to urge you to strengthen HB 1515 by supporting the changes linked here. At least 95% of people who are incarcerated will eventually be released. We need to support them in their reentry efforts by ensuring they have effective rehabilitative programming while being supervised in manageable conditions.
Consider the facts:
- The average education achievement score of someone confined in TDCJ is equivalent to a 7th-grade level. However, by 2030, 62% of all jobs in the state of Texas will require a postsecondary credential.
- Education is one of eight factors consistently shown to be critical in curbing one’s likelihood of “re-offending.”
- Completing education while incarcerated reduces recidivism by 28%.
- Approximately 64% of individuals in Texas state jails fit the criteria for substance use disorder diagnosis.
Of the 16 state jail facilities in Texas, only three offer programming specific to substance use disorders. None of these have been evaluated for effectiveness.
[Optional: Include a personal message about your experience or a loved one’s experience with limited treatment and rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated or why this issue is important to you.]
I am grateful this bill is being heard and that efforts are being made to address and correct the issues identified by the Sunset Commission. This is truly a step in the right direction, and I want to take a moment to thank every single person responsible. However, not everyone reads bill language in the same way, and there are some areas where it can be written in a way that does not allow for the intended goals to be met.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Email Template
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my support for strengthening HB 1515, the TDCJ Sunset bill. The TDCJ Sunset report emphasized the lack of strategic planning and oversight over rehabilitation programs, and this current bill makes a concerted effort to address these issues, but it can be stronger!
For example, this bill looks to advance higher education programs, rehabilitative treatment, and reentry planning, but it does not place the responsibility of post-secondary education with the most responsible party in the department (the school district). Access to education and treatment is vital in reducing recidivism and providing incarcerated individuals with the tools to reenter society. Additionally, completing education while incarcerated reduces recidivism by 28%.
[Optional: Include a personal message about your experience or a loved one’s experience with limited treatment and rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated or why this issue is important to you.]
I commend the legislature's efforts to improve TDCJ processes and programming. As 95% of people who are incarcerated will eventually be released, I appreciate that you’re working to ensure their success upon reentering. Strengthen HB 1515!
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Email Template
Dear [Name],
Please strengthen HB 1515 out of the House Corrections/Senate Criminal Justice committee by supporting the changes recommended by Texas Appleseed.
HB 1515 seeks to improve rehabilitative programming, post-secondary education, reentry planning, and structural capacities within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), all of which are necessary to streamline the Department's operations and reduce recidivism.
[Optional: Include a personal message about your experience or a loved one’s experience with limited treatment and rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated or why this issue is important to you.]
Please support the proposed changes by Texas Appleseed and strengthen HB 1515. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
More information can be found on our TDCJ Fact Sheet.