Texas — State and Local Issues — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Texas Lawmakers Consider State Jails a “Complete Failure”

“With few rehabilitative services and little programming available to prisoners who were held in state jails without even good-conduct time – sentencing enhancements were specifically prohibited in the authorizing legislation – the state jail system became a revolving door. The rearrest rate for offenders within three years after release soared to 63 percent, far higher than the state prison system’s 45 percent. The re-incarceration rate for state jails currently stands at 31 percent, versus 20 percent for those released from state prisons.“

Prison Legal News

June 5, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesJune 5, 2019Prison Legal News, TexasComment

The Big Blue Obstacle to Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform

“While swift reform following an in-custody death is a refreshing change, the knee-jerk police union opposition is predictable. Police groups have a long history of blocking reforms and pushing tough-on-crime policies. However, in this new era of bipartisan efforts to curb mass incarceration, police associations have increasingly become a voice in the wilderness.“

Texas Observer

May 3, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesMay 3, 2019Texas Observer, Police Unions, Texas, San AntonioComment

Opinion: How to Make New York as Progressive on Criminal Justice as Texas

“But there are sensible ways of dealing with witness safety concerns. The Brooklyn district attorney’s office, which has for decades made its evidence files readily available, shows that reform is possible. Likewise, the states that have left the old model behind have seen no need to go back to it. It’s time for New York lawmakers to bring the rest of the state in line with this essential notion of justice.“

New York Times

January 15, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesJanuary 15, 2019New York Times, New York, TexasComment

When Prison Reform Goes Bad

“The idea was to relieve pressure on the overcrowded prison system while also breaking the cycle of incarceration for low-level felons. Instead, more than two decades later, people leaving state jail have a greater chance of reoffending than any other group in the Texas criminal justice system. Nearly 63 percent of people released from state jails are rearrested, compared to 46 percent of inmates released from Texas prisons, according to Legislative Budget Board data.“

Texas Observer

December 11, 2018

Diversion Programs, State ReformsPhillip ReevesDecember 11, 2018Texas, Texas ObserverComment

Ted Cruz’s Long Sellout on Criminal Justice Reform

“A year ago, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley condemned a sentencing reform bill backed by Ted Cruz as ‘lenient’ and ‘dangerous.’ Eight months later, it was Cruz’s turn. Explaining his opposition to a sentencing reform bill backed by Grassley, Cruz described it as dangerously lenient.“

The American Conservative

October 10, 2018

SenatePhillip ReevesOctober 10, 2018The American Conservative, Texas, Ted CruzComment

Texas’ two U.S. senators are undermining the state’s role as a leader in revamping overly harsh sentencing laws and reducing mass incarceration. [Opinion]

“Not long ago, Texas was viewed as a leading state on criminal justice reform. Former Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation that reduced the prison population and was regarded as a model for the country — embodying both compassionate and fiscal conservatism. Our state’s efforts were then embraced by federal leaders, with Texas Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn championing legislation to reduce harsh federal sentences for drug offenses. But now Cruz and Cornyn have become the face of opposition to sentencing reform, and without their support, our state began losing its leadership role on this critical issue.“

Houston Chronicle

October 6, 2018

SenatePhillip ReevesOctober 6, 2018Houston Chronicle, Texas, Ted Cruz, John CornynComment

'We Thought It Was Important to Knock Down Doors'

"For Lewis Conway Jr., deciding to run for office was the easy part. The Austin native was a community activist looking for another way to make change. But until mid-August, the fate of his candidacy for City Council was uncertain. He had served eight years in prison and 12 on parole, and although his voting rights were restored, city officials questioned his eligibility. Only this month was he officially cleared for the November ballot."

The Appeal

August 30, 2018

State ReformsAnthony BradleyAugust 31, 2018The Appeal, Austin, Texas, Lewis Conway Jr

Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke tours Harris County jail during Houston visit

"As he makes his way across the state, Beto O'Rourke wants to know: How much does it cost to spend a night in jail? In small towns and big cities, he poses the question, grappling with the price tag of mass incarceration and fine-tuning his hopes for criminal justice reform."

Houston Chronicle

August 22, 2018

Mass IncarcerationAnthony BradleyAugust 24, 2018Houston Chronicle, Texas, Beto O'Rourke

Vague state law aside, a convicted felon will be on the ballot in Austin

"At first glance, it may seem typical that Lewis Conway Jr. got his name on the ballot for a seat on the Austin City Council — he paid the filing fee and turned in his application before the deadline. But Conway's success Tuesday is unique for one big reason: He's a convicted felon."

Texas Tribune

August 21, 2018

Mass IncarcerationAnthony BradleyAugust 24, 2018Texas Tribune, Austin, Texas

After reconsidering, Travis County decides women’s jail still necessary

"Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez has said the facility within the Del Valle jail is needed because the county’s current facilities are in poor physical shape. The setup splits the female population into four facilities, she said, which is inefficient and at times uncomfortable for the women who have to walk through men’s facilities."

Austin American-Statesman

August 11, 2018

Texas Cracks Down on the Market for Jailhouse Snitches

"The new law requires prosecutors to keep thorough records of all jailhouse informants they use — the nature of their testimony, the benefits they received and their criminal history. This information must be disclosed to defense lawyers, who may use it in court to challenge the informant’s reliability or honesty, particularly if the informant has testified in other cases."

New York Times

July 15, 2017

InformantsAnthony BradleyJuly 31, 2018New York Times, Texas