The bill, S.B. No. 676, amends Section 498.003(a) of the Government Code regarding the award of good conduct time to inmates. It clarifies that good conduct time is a privilege, not a right, and specifies that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice may grant good conduct time only if the inmate is actively engaged in certain activities. These activities include participation in agricultural, vocational, educational, industrial, or treatment programs, or if the inmate regularly attends religious services or studies religious texts.

The bill also establishes that the changes apply to any individual confined in a facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This means that the new criteria for earning good conduct time will be applicable regardless of when the offense leading to confinement occurred.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 498.003 (Government Code 498)