This 81^st State Legislative Session may have gotten off to a slow start, but after months of hard work, successful collaboration with our partners, and strong bipartisan leadership among key committee members, we are fortunate to see the enactment of so many critical policies! 

Through various measures, our state policy-makers chose to continue their support of cost-effective, smart-on-crime practices put in place during our last state session in 2007.  These public safety strategies are imperative in creating an infrastructure focused on saving taxpayers money and boosting the strength of our communities.  We commend the leadership and hard work of members on the House Corrections Committee, Senate Criminal Justice Committee, and Appropriations Committee, as well as those who have historically advocated for just policies throughout the years, for their commitment to socially responsible policies that benefit all Texans.

Texas now has fundamental strategies in place that span the criminal and juvenile justice systems – policies that address the turbulent juvenile justice system by better protecting our youth; improve defense and compensatory practices to ensure fairer treatment in our legal system; bolster treatment services and increase funding for community supervision in efforts to reduce prison overcrowding; and eliminate various re-entry barriers that had been leading formerly incarcerated individuals back inside prison walls.

In the links below, you will find additional information about the policies that passed this session, as well as more on the work we have ahead of us.  I am grateful for the extraordinary work ethic and commitment of our TCJC team and in the coming months we will continue to work towards smart-on-crime strategies that can make our criminal and juvenile justice systems more responsible, just, safe, and cost-effective.  Because we urge all invested in these issues to join us in support of sustainable solutions that will address the root causes of criminal behavior and help people become and stay law-abiding, productive members of our communities, we will be contacting you during the interim for your input on our future policy efforts.

Sincerely,   

Ana Yáñez-Correa

Executive Director