Parole & Reentry
Expand the Use of Reentry Peer Support to Decrease the Likelihood of Re-Offending
Eliminate Occupational Licensing Barriers that Prevent Work-Ready Individuals from Finding Gainful Employment and Rebuilding Their Lives
When Prison Reform Goes Bad
Doug Smith, a senior policy analyst with the nonprofit Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, says lawmakers never delivered on the rehabilitation-focused approach they had promised. Without re-entry planning, ongoing mental health Read more »
Marijuana diversion works, but it’s not enough [Opinion]
Two years ago, Kim Ogg was elected district attorney of Harris County. One of her campaign promises was to implement a diversion program for first time offenders charged with low-level Read more »
Unlock Your Vote! 2018 Elections [statewide flyer]
September 2018
Reformers Hopeful the 2019 Legislature will Expand Texas’ Medical Marijuana Law
Activists are mapping a path to end arrests for possession and broaden the state’s medical marijuana program ahead of the next legislative session.
Editorial: Is a felon fit for office? Austin voters deserve to decide
Two years ago, the Austin City Council decided that local employers should get to know job applicants first before deciding whether a criminal record puts them out of the running. Read more »
After Release, Texas Criminal Offenders Face Reentry Realities
What happens to people after they’re released from the Texas criminal justice system? Probation is typically the next step, but what does that process look like and how does it Read more »
Texas Gov. Abbott proposes tougher bail laws for defendants who represent a threat to police
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is backing an effort to keep defendants with violent pasts behind bars. On Tuesday, Abbott appeared in Waco to ask state lawmakers to pass a new law that, Read more »