BILL NUMBER: S395
SPONSOR: MYRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency
level assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals
 
PURPOSE:
To amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency level
assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the correction law by adding a new section 137-a which
provides that incarcerated individuals without a high school diploma or
equivalent will receive a reading proficiency level assessment and
dyslexia screening during the intake process that can be administered
should it be possible. Those below the proficiency level will be
provided with science-based dyslexia intervention. It also dictates the
responsibilities of the Commissioner to ensure that there are teachers
at all facilities who are aware of best practices of scientific reading
instructions, and superintendents must submit a plan to the department
that allows incarcerated individuals to receive the assessment and
screening voluntarily.
Section 2 provides for the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The prevalence of dyslexia in the general population is about 20%; the
prevalence of dyslexia among the incarcerated population is more than
twice that, or 48% according to a scientific study by the University of
Texas Medical Branch in conjunction with the Texas Department of Crimi-
nal Justice (2000). Given that illiteracy is a risk factor for criminal
behavior, and that dyslexia is one of the most common causes of reading
illiteracy, screening our state's incarcerated population and conducting
risk-and-needs assessment for every offender will identify this learning
disability. Initiating interventions that are evidence-based, effective,
and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to
address dyslexia will help prepare these individuals while incarcerated
for a more productive life upon release.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S2304A of 2023-24: Reported and Committed to Finance.
S307 of 2021-22: Reported and Committed to Finance.
S6787of 2019-20:Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such date.