Sunset Advisory Commission

Every ten years or so, Texas public agencies undergo review. The questions are: should the agency continue to exist? and if so in what form? This year the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is under review, as is the Parole Board, Managed Healthcare, and the Windham School District. The only public hearing during which stakeholders can address commission members is Nov. 14, 2024. Indications are that a large number of change advocates will sign up to use the two minutes alotted to speak their minds. Anyone can submit documents or reports in support of their recommendations. Those who cannot attend can submit comments up till Nov.19. For info go to the Sunset website.

Here is a rough draft of my comments. In addition, members will be given a copy of the book “Reshaping the Texas Prison System for Better Public Safety – An Insider View from a Texas Lifer” as well as a copy of the legislation included in this post.

Safety. We all want that….in our homes and communities. That is TDCJ’s prime directive……to provide public safety by promoting positive behavior change. All the barriers to accomplishing that mission have been known for years. TDCJ is looking to fix that with their 2030 plan. That plan, however, was made without input from the largest group of stakeholders directly impacted by prisons…..the incarcerated, and their families, who are locked up in a different way. These people have a tremendous amount to contribute and deserve a place at the planning table, as do many more human service professionals,

An example of that is this book. Written by a field minister with 27 years inside, he lays out suggestions for upgrades. There are many others like him who know the system and are waiting to help. This fits in within the idea that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.

We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. To address all the problems discussed today, lawmakers created the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee in 2007. It’s mission was to monitor conditions and submit biannual reports to lawmakers. A copy of that legislation has been provided. That committee had one meeting in 2009, but none since. It lacks a quorum and cannot meet. Once activated, this committee, expanded to include many more stakeholders, could continually do what the Sunset staff does every ten years. Everyone would benefit. Taxpayers deserve a better return on their 4 billion dollar annual investment. All Texans deserve safety. You can help make that happen.

GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 3. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

SUBTITLE C. LEGISLATIVE AGENCIES AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEES

CHAPTER 328. CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Sec. 328.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, “committee” means the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 328.002. ESTABLISHMENT; COMPOSITION. (a) The Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee is established to provide objective research, analysis, and recommendations to help guide state criminal justice policies.

(b) The committee is composed of six members as follows:

(1) the chair of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice;

(2) the chair of the House Committee on Corrections;

(3) two members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor; and

(4) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

(c) In making appointments under Subsection (b)(3) or (4), the lieutenant governor or the speaker of the house of representatives, as applicable, shall give first consideration to members of the senate or the house of representatives who are members of the Senate Committee on Finance or the House Appropriations Committee.

(d) An appointed member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the appointing official.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 328.003. PRESIDING OFFICER; TERM. (a) The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint the presiding officer of the committee on an alternating basis.

(b) The presiding officer of the committee serves a two-year term that expires February 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 328.004. POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The committee shall:

(1) use statistical analyses and other research methods to conduct an in-depth examination of the criminal justice system in this state that includes:

(A) an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the use of state and local funds in the criminal justice system;

(B) an identification of critical problems in the criminal justice system; and

(2) recommend to the legislature:

(A) strategies to solve the problems identified under Subdivision (1)(B); and

(B) policy priorities to address the long-range needs determined under Subdivision (1)(C); and

(3) advise and assist the legislature in developing plans, programs, and proposed legislation to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

(b) The committee has all other powers and duties provided to a special committee by:

(1) Subchapter B, Chapter 301;

(2) the rules of the senate and the house of representatives; and

(3) policies of the senate and house committees on administration.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 328.005. MEETINGS. The committee shall meet at the call of the presiding officer.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 328.006. STAFF; AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. The committee may hire staff or may contract with universities or other suitable entities to assist the committee in carrying out the committee’s duties. Funding to support the operation of the committee shall be provided from funds appropriated to the Texas Legislative Council.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 328.007. REPORT. Not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the committee shall submit to the legislature a report that contains the recommendations described by Section 328.004(a)(2).

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 13, eff. June 15, 2007.