By TJJD Communications —
In last quarter’s newsletter, we provided general updates about the state’s 89th legislative session. Thank you to all of the teams that helped us implement statutory and funding changes over the past few months! We adopted several new rule packages, updated agency processes, and provided guidance to the field (see legislative newsletters with bill summaries here) – all while maintaining our typical operations.
Below, we included analysis on a few bills that should be on your radar.
- SB 646: The bill expanded eligibility for certain mental health professionals to participate in the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s loan repayment program. Now, licensed master social workers, licensed professional counselor associates, licensed marriage and family therapist associates, and certain certified school counselors qualify. Additionally, the bill extends eligibility to certain MHPs providing community- or school-based services, raises caps on the amount of assistance applicants may receive, and adds opportunities for one-time repayments.
- HB 4263: The bill accomplished two main things:
- It expanded eligibility for which TJJD staff may serve on the Release Review Panel.
- It removed the requirement for the agency to hold independent mediations for any TJJD employee recommended for dismissal, and instead requires the agency to use its grievance process to handle challenges to disciplinary terminations.
- HB 3464: The bill enhanced the penalty for the offenses listed below for individuals employed by a correctional facility, including juvenile facilities:
- Now a second-degree felony:
- Providing, or possessing with the intent to provide, an alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or dangerous drug to a person in the custody of the correctional facility, except on the prescription of a practitioner;
- Taking an alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or dangerous drug into the correctional facility; and
- Taking a controlled substance or dangerous drug on property owned, used, or controlled by the correctional facility.
- Now a first-degree felony: If the ingestion, inhalation, injection, or other administration of the controlled substance or dangerous drug noted in the bullets above causes the death of a person in the custody of the correctional facility. Note, this offense is punishable by prison term between 15 and 99 years and a fine up to $250K.
- Now a second-degree felony:
- SB 2776: The bill now allows TJJD to disclose certain identifying information about individuals who were previously committed to our custody, if they provide consent. This will allow us to work more easily and expansively with credible messengers, who have a unique ability to assist our youth in their rehabilitation. Have an idea for a credible messenger opportunity? Contact Rachel Gandy at rachel.gandy@tjjd.texas.gov about next steps to obtain and document consent!
For additional information on bill implementation, contact Nathan McDaniel at nathan.mcdaniel@tjjd.texas.gov.