Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

jail

KEY CONCEPT: Texas Commission on Jail Standards

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KEY QUESTION: What is the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, and how does the Commission affect county government?

REFERENCE POINTS: Texas Administrative Code TITLE 37 – PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS PART 9 – TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS   TALKING POINTS: The Texas Legislature created the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (Commission) in 1975 to implement a declared state policy that all county jail facilities conform to minimum standards of construction, … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Jail Commission Update

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Sandra Bland Deadlines, Paper-Ready Inmates

As we begin FY21, there are two items for county officials to be aware of. These two items are the last portions of the 85th Legislature’s Senate Bill 1849, commonly referred to as the Sandra Bland Act, and their effective dates. The first deals with how quickly a county must provide access to medical and mental health services. When first passed into law, the way the bill … [Read more...] about Jail Commission Update

Williamson County Judges Innovate Virtual Justice During Pandemic

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The public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has impacted daily life across the country and around the world, including essential government operations like our justice system. In Williamson County, our justice system responded to the coronavirus through innovation, ingenuity, and a commitment to service. The courts in Williamson County have long embraced technology, … [Read more...] about Williamson County Judges Innovate Virtual Justice During Pandemic

Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase

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When accused persons are unable to assist in their defense because of mental incompetency, the trial court orders them committed to a state mental institution for treatment and restoration of their competency. These defendants have not been convicted of a crime, but they cannot be tried or released until they are mentally competent. For several years, the legislature has failed … [Read more...] about Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase

Sandra Bland Act

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Prisoner Safety Measures Address At-Risk Inmates

The Sandra Bland Act, passed by the 85th Texas Legislature, calls for a multitude of changes that are affecting and will affect Texas county jail operations and Minimum Jail Standards including education requirements, installation of specific equipment, and inmate access to health and mental health professionals. Throughout the last several years, the Texas Commission on … [Read more...] about Sandra Bland Act