The bill amends Section 508.157 of the Government Code to enhance post-release housing options for inmates released on parole or mandatory supervision. It allows the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to issue payments for temporary post-release housing that meets specific standards, including those set by the Reentry Housing Task Force. The bill also mandates that the TDCJ 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 introduces a new section, 508.158, which requires the TDCJ to implement a post-release housing planning procedure to identify inmates without housing plans and assess their needs.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Reentry Housing Task Force, composed of various stakeholders, to evaluate and improve post-release housing strategies. The task force is tasked with developing standards for post-release housing, creating a planning procedure, and addressing homelessness risks for releasees. The bill repeals certain existing provisions and allows the TDCJ to continue making payments under previous requirements until January 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with specific reporting requirements for the TDCJ and the task force's findings due by December 1, 2026.

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