The bill, H.B. No. 2943, aims to enhance post-release housing options for inmates released on parole or mandatory supervision in Texas. It amends Section 508.157 of the Government Code to allow the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to issue payments for temporary post-release housing that meets or exceeds standards set by the Reentry Housing Task Force. The bill also introduces new provisions requiring the TDCJ to actively seek grants to expand the use of these payments and prioritize their use to reduce the time inmates spend in residential correctional facilities. Additionally, it establishes a post-release housing planning procedure to identify inmates without housing plans and assess their needs.

Furthermore, the bill creates the Reentry Housing Task Force, which will evaluate strategies for improving post-release housing, develop standards consistent with national recovery housing standards, and recommend solutions to prevent homelessness among releasees. The task force is required to submit a report on its findings by December 1, 2026, and will be dissolved by September 1, 2027. The bill also allows the TDCJ to continue making payments for temporary post-release housing under previous requirements until January 1, 2027, and mandates the implementation of the new housing planning procedure by December 1, 2025. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 508.157 (Government Code 508)