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Bill

HB 2756

Relating to training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health for correctional officers and certain other employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 7 co-sponsors

Texas requires correctional officers to receive de-escalation and crisis intervention training, improving behavioral health response and reducing facility violence starting September 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#criminaljustice #texasdepartmentof(v8788) #corrections--jails&prisons(i0092) #jovianmotleyact(pu5dx) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317)
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Bill Summary · HB 2756

Legislative bill overview

HB 2756 mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) provide training on de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and behavioral health responses to correctional officers and certain other TDCJ employees. The bill requires this training to be completed and establishes standards for what this training must cover, taking effect September 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Correctional facilities experience high rates of violence and mental health crises among incarcerated populations. Training officers in de-escalation and behavioral health response can reduce use-of-force incidents, prevent injuries to both staff and incarcerated individuals, and improve overall facility safety and outcomes. This addresses a documented gap in many correctional systems where officers traditionally receive limited behavioral health training despite regular encounters with individuals in crisis.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: TDCJ must develop and deliver comprehensive training statewide, requiring budget allocation, curriculum development, and staff time away from regular duties
  • Training effectiveness and standards: The bill mandates training but specific measurable outcomes, quality standards, or accountability mechanisms for ensuring training effectiveness are not detailed
  • Scope limitations: The bill applies to "certain" employees rather than all TDCJ staff, leaving ambiguity about which positions are covered and potentially creating gaps in facility-wide crisis response capability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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