Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledges of allegiance. The primary focus of the session involved recognizing several staff members for recent promotions and achievements, including Andrea Krueger, Felicia Johnson, Christina McDaniel, and Lori Lelay. These recognitions detailed their professional backgrounds, contributions to campus operations, successful leadership initiatives, and commitment to student development and career readiness pathways, often in collaboration with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The meeting covered a regular session agenda which included recognitions, consideration of consent items such as Hazardous Duty Pay Authorization Requests and Personal Property Donations, and the election of officers for Vice-Chairman and Secretary. Key discussions involved reports from the Executive Director regarding correctional officer staffing levels and the STRIVE Reentry Program, alongside an overview of TDCJ's Agribusiness operations, including the Neal Unit Beef Processing Plant, which yields significant cost avoidance. The Chairman also extended holiday wishes to employees. Furthermore, the Board approved purchases and contracts exceeding $1 Million related to transitional treatment centers. They also approved proposed amendments to Board Rule Title 37 Texas Administrative Code Section 161.21 concerning the Role of the Judicial Advisory Council. Land transactions were approved, including gas pipeline easements at the Ramsey and Stiles Units, a facilities site easement at the Halbert Unit, and the renewal of a water pipeline easement at the Ellis Unit. Action was taken regarding a construction project to replace the locking system at the Lindsey Unit. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, security, and legal consultations.

The meeting involved several key actions and discussions. Consent items approved included Hazardous Duty Pay Authorization Requests, Personal Property Donations, and the minutes from the 242nd TBCJ Meeting. The Board addressed purchases and contracts exceeding $1 million, including utilization increases for substance abuse treatment services and TCOOMMI contracts, as well as a variance request for electricity services. Annual review and adoption of the Investment Policy (BP-14.01) were approved. Proposed amendments to Board Rules regarding Admissions (§ 152.3) and the Continuity of Care Program (§ 159.19) were approved for publication for public comment. Amendments were adopted for Board Rules on Custodial Officer Certification (§ 151.51) and Maximum Rated Capacity of Individual Units (§ 152.25). The repeal of Board Rule § 152.5 regarding State Jail Regions was approved for publication for public comment, and a proposed new Board Rule on Legislative Leave Pool (§ 151.58) was approved for publication for public comment. Revisions were approved for Board Policies BP-01.01, BP-01.04, and BP-13.69, and Personnel Directive PD-94 concerning Teleworking. Board Policy BP-11.75 on Telework was deleted. The Chairman's report highlighted the introduction of a team-based staffing pilot at the Estelle Unit, which is being expanded to seven other facilities to address staffing challenges and improve morale. The Executive Director's report emphasized a focus on visible leadership, technological upgrades (CITS 2.0, CAPPS, Inmate Banking, Broadband Connectivity), and staff wellness, including recognizing the new Staff Chaplain. In Facilities Construction Projects, approval was sought for new roof replacement at the Hughes Unit and water tower renovation at the Ramsey Unit. Land transactions included approval for a 14.99-acre land transfer at the Byrd Unit to Walker County and granting multiple easements (electrical, gas pipeline, water line, wastewater line) at the Montford Unit for necessary infrastructure, including support for a new psychiatric hospital.

The meeting included an Executive Session covering personnel matters, security deployments, confidential information technology security assessments, and consultation with legal counsel regarding litigation and posted agenda items. The subsequent Regular Session included recognitions, consideration of consent items such as Hazardous Duty Pay Authorization Requests and Personal Property Donations, and reports from the Parole Division Spotlight, Chairman, Executive Director, Independent Ombudsman, Inmate Counsel, PREA Ombudsman, Independent Auditor, and Inspector General. Key action items involved discussion and possible action regarding Purchases and Contracts Over $1 Million, proposed revisions and amendments to multiple Board Policies and Rules (e.g., BP-03.91, Title 37 TAC Sections 151.3, 151.55, 152.81, 152.3, 159.19), adoption of a rule repeal (Section 152.5), renaming of units, adoption of a new rule for Legislative Leave Pool, selection of the Chief Audit Executive, status reports on IT initiatives and Sunset Implementation, and discussion on Facilities Division Construction Projects and Proposed Land Transactions.

This document outlines the Legislative Appropriations Request for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019 for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It details budget requests and operational plans focused on fiscal restraint and maintaining the stability and success of the criminal justice system. Key strategic areas include providing prison diversions through probation and community-based programs, addressing special needs offenders, incarcerating felons, ensuring and maintaining adequate facilities, operating the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and managing the parole system. The request emphasizes continued funding for critical operations, diversionary initiatives, population management, and investment in treatment programs.