Texas Senate Bill SB 828

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/16/25

Caption

Relating to the provision of services by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Summary

SB 828 would revise the Texas Government Code section governing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s services for offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It renames the program to the “Offenders with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities Program” and directs TDCJ to do more than simply provide services: the department must identify community resources and create a person-centered reentry and reintegration plan tailored to each eligible offender’s individual needs. The bill specifies that these plans may include coordination of treatment, identification of housing assistance, and other transitional services intended to support successful community reentry. It also authorizes TDCJ to accept gifts, awards, or grants to support these services. At the same time, the bill limits the use of appropriated funds for residential housing assistance for offenders serving sentences for offenses listed in Section 508.149(a), which generally covers certain serious or violent offenses and parole-ineligible categories.

Impact

SB 828 would amend Section 501.069 of the Government Code, expanding and clarifying TDCJ’s responsibilities toward offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities by requiring individualized reentry planning and community-resource coordination. It would also create a funding limitation that bars state appropriations from being used for residential housing assistance for offenders convicted of offenses listed in Section 508.149(a). The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and would affect TDCJ program administration, offender reentry services, and eligibility for certain housing-related support.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the limited legislative history provided, the measure appears generally supportive of rehabilitation and reentry services for a vulnerable offender population. The bill’s structure suggests a policy emphasis on individualized treatment, community integration, and transitional support rather than punishment alone. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no evidence of recorded opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction and referral.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the scope of state-funded housing assistance. The bill expressly prohibits appropriated funds from being used for residential housing assistance for offenders serving sentences for offenses listed in Section 508.149(a), which could draw concern from advocates seeking broader reentry support and from policymakers focused on limiting benefits for serious offenders. Another possible issue is the administrative burden on TDCJ to develop person-centered plans and coordinate community resources, though the bill also allows the department to seek outside gifts and grants to help fund these services.