The Texas parole board had decided: Stephen Shane Smith was going to get out of prison. The 40-year-old was less than a year into a five-year sentence for a drug conviction when he was approved for early release in January. The only thing standing between him and his freedom was completing an in-prison life skills program.
![Many Texas prisoners have been approved for parole but can't walk free yet. Advocates say coronavirus should change that.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_featured_image/public/articles/2021-08/Screen%2520Shot%25202020-04-14%2520at%252012.19.50%2520PM.png?itok=7Cm_eTkW)