The Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at enhancing safety and training for correctional officers and improving healthcare access for youth in the juvenile justice system.

A significant focus of the meeting was House Bill 2756, which mandates comprehensive training for correctional officers within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). This legislation, championed by Representative Symphonia Thompson, aims to equip officers with skills in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health. The training will cover essential techniques such as effective communication, limiting the use of physical restraints, and safety procedures during cell extractions. The bill was introduced in response to the tragic death of correctional officer Jovian Motley, who lost his life during a cell extraction incident. His family members, including his mother and sister, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.

Senator Haggenbu raised concerns about the necessity of such training, suggesting that many of the proposed topics seemed like basic training that should already be in place. However, the emotional testimonies from the Motley family underscored the urgency of the legislation, highlighting the dangers faced by correctional officers and the importance of proper training to ensure their safety.

In addition to the training bill, the committee also discussed Senate Bill 1778, which seeks to expand telemedicine services for youth in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). Senator Miles presented the bill, noting that many youth in custody face significant health challenges and often lack timely access to medical care. The proposed legislation would require TJJD to contract for telemedicine services, ensuring that youth can receive immediate medical attention, particularly in remote facilities where healthcare providers are not consistently available.

The meeting also addressed Senate Bill 2017, which aims to impose penalties for reckless driving behaviors such as burnouts and wheelies, which have become increasingly common and dangerous on Texas roads. This bill seeks to enhance public safety by providing law enforcement with the tools needed to deter such reckless behavior.

Lastly, Senate Bill 1659 was introduced to address privacy concerns regarding the purchase of geolocation data by law enforcement from private data brokers. This legislation would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing such data, ensuring that citizens' privacy rights are protected.

The committee's discussions reflect a commitment to improving safety for both correctional officers and youth in the justice system, as well as addressing broader public safety and privacy issues. As these bills progress, they hold the potential to significantly impact the lives of many Texans.