The bill, S.B. No. 828, aims to enhance the services provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It amends the heading of Section 501.069 of the Government Code to reflect this focus, changing it from "Developmentally Disabled Offender Program" to "Offenders with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities Program." Additionally, the bill introduces new subsections that require the TDCJ to develop community resources to assist these offenders in reentering society and to create individualized reentry and reintegration plans that address their specific needs, including treatment coordination and housing assistance.

Furthermore, the bill allows the TDCJ to accept gifts, awards, or grants to support these services and specifies that funds appropriated to the department cannot be used for residential housing assistance for offenders serving sentences for certain offenses listed in Section 508.149(a). The changes aim to improve the support system for offenders with disabilities, ensuring they receive tailored assistance as they transition back into the community. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 501.069 (Government Code 501)