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SB 2839

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 Joan Huffman and 1 co-sponsor

SB 2839 requires Texas TDCJ to train correctional officers and staff in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health to reduce incidents and improve facility safety outcomes.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#criminaljustice #texasdepartmentof(v8788) #corrections--jails&prisons(i0092) #jovianmotleyact(pu5dx) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317)
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Bill Summary · SB 2839

Legislative bill overview

SB 2839 mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) provide training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health to correctional officers and other specified employees. The bill establishes requirements for what this training must cover and when it should be delivered to both new hires and existing staff.

Why is this important

Correctional facilities house individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse issues, and behavioral challenges. Training staff in these areas can reduce use-of-force incidents, improve safety outcomes for both incarcerated individuals and officers, and lower liability costs. Texas operates one of the nation's largest prison systems, making workforce training standards a significant policy matter affecting thousands of employees and incarcerated individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Mandatory statewide training requires budget allocation, curriculum development, and time away from operational duties; fiscal impact on TDCJ operations
  • Training standards definition: The bill doesn't specify curricula details, instructor qualifications, or training duration, leaving implementation questions unresolved
  • Effectiveness measurement: No clear metrics or accountability measures for evaluating whether training reduces incidents or improves outcomes in practice

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

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