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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB2405

Regular Session

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the functions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments, and the Windham School District.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

SB2405: Government Affairs Overview

SB 2405 extends the operations of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) through 2037, but its immediate impact lies in a statutory mandate to overhaul vendor contracts and educational partnerships. The law requires TDCJ to renegotiate therapeutic and rehabilitation contracts based on strict "evidence-based" performance metrics and shifts financial liability for post-secondary education programs, directly affecting government contractors, universities, and vocational training providers.

Sen. Tan Parker·Senate Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) • Correctional Managed Health Care Committee • Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) • Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) • Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) • Windham School District

Business Impact

Who SB2405 Affects

This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:

Regulatory Priority: low

Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review during normal business planning.

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Education

Affected business types:

  • School districts
  • Charter schools
  • Private schools
  • Education service providers
View all education legislation

Key Operational Considerations

  • 1MOUs: Educational institutions must amend Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to align with new tuition reimbursement structures.
  • 2Medical Staff: Physicians involved in Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS) must be trained to write reports in "plain language." Clinical jargon is now a compliance failure.

Estimated Cost Impact

lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.

Enforcing Agencies

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SB2405
Low
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the functions of...
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
BPPCorrectional Managed Health Care...TBCJTCOOMMI+2 more
Primary Author: Sen. Tan Parker
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline:
  • Contractors: Immediate preparation required for FY2026 contract cycles; the law mandates renegotiation based on performance data.
  • Parole Boards: December 1, 2025 (New training requirements must be met for Commissioners to vote).
  • Strategic Planning: December 1, 2026 (Deadline for TDCJ/Windham to submit new rehabilitation and facility plans).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) and Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) must adopt rules "as soon as practicable" after September 1, 2025.
  • *Regulatory Gray Zone:* Expect uncertainty regarding "maximum parole officer caseloads" and "medical parole definitions" between Q4 2025 and Q2 2026 while rules are drafted.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Audit Performance Data: Immediately gather internal statistics on program completion and recidivism rates to prepare for aggressive contract renegotiations in 2026.
  • 2. Update Enrollment Forms: Vocational training providers must add a "Licensure Eligibility Disclosure" field to intake forms to comply with the new Windham mandate.
  • 3. Revise Medical Templates: Healthcare directors must rewrite MRIS reporting templates to strip Latin/clinical terminology and focus on functional impairment descriptions.
  • 4. Review MOUs: General Counsels for higher education partners must review current agreements to ensure they accommodate the statutory reimbursement requirement.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

The law explicitly directs TDCJ to evaluate and renegotiate contracts for therapeutic and rehabilitation services.

  • Action: Vendors must transition from "fee-for-service" models to "outcomes-based" models. If your program cannot demonstrate a statistical reduction in recidivism or successful reentry, your contract is at statutory risk of termination or restructuring.
  • MOUs: Educational institutions must amend Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to align with new tuition reimbursement structures.

Hiring/Training

  • Vocational Providers: Windham School District and third-party vocational partners must implement intake procedures that screen students against state licensing barriers. You cannot enroll an offender in a trade program (e.g., HVAC, nursing) if their criminal history legally bars them from licensure, without providing a specific written disclosure.
  • Medical Staff: Physicians involved in Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS) must be trained to write reports in "plain language." Clinical jargon is now a compliance failure.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Medical Reports: MRIS reports must now explicitly describe how a medical condition affects "cognitive and physical abilities" in non-medical terms.
  • Program Inventory: TDCJ is required to maintain a comprehensive inventory of program effectiveness. Vendors must be prepared to submit raw performance data to the agency to justify their inclusion in this inventory.

Fees & Costs

  • Tuition Reimbursement: The law creates a Postsecondary Education Reimbursement Program. TDCJ will pay tuition upfront, but the statute requires the inmate to reimburse the Department as a condition of parole.
  • Impact: Universities and colleges must adjust billing workflows to ensure costs are accurately captured and transmitted to the Parole Division for collection.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

The following areas rely on future agency rulemaking. Monitor the *Texas Register* for:

  • 1. "Evidence-Based" Definitions: The statute distinguishes between "evidence-based" and "correctional elective" programs but leaves the technical criteria to TDCJ. If your program is classified as "elective," it will likely lose funding priority.
  • 2. Facility Closures: The mandated 10-year facility plan implies the consolidation or closure of units. Vendors servicing older or understaffed facilities should assess the long-term viability of those specific contracts.
  • 3. "Threat to Public Safety": The BPP must define this term regarding medical parole. A broad definition will restrict the pool of eligible inmates; a narrow definition will expand it.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 12, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 22, 2025
Passed House
May 24, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Sep 1, 2025
TopicsWindham School DistrictCorrectionsCorrections--jails & PrisonsCorrections--parole, Probation & PardonsEducationEducation--school DistrictsSalaries & ExpensesSunsetSunset--commission BillsMandatory & Community SupervisionStaff Development & TrainingTechnical EducationCorrectional Office On Offenders With Medical Or Mental Impairments, TexasCriminal Justice, Texas Board ofCriminal Justice, Texas Department ofPardons & Paroles, Board ofAuditor, StateDisabilities, Persons WithHealth & Human Services CommissionWorkforce Commission, TexasEducation--higherEducation--higher--institutions & ProgramsLaw EnforcementState Agencies, Boards & CommissionsState Agencies, Boards & Commissions--newly ProposedHigher Education Coordinating Board, TexasInspector General, Office ofLicensing & Regulation, Texas Department ofPostsecondary Education Advisory Board
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Tan ParkerRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors
Coauthors (1)

House Sponsors

Rep. Terry CanalesDemocrat · Primary Sponsor
Joint Sponsors
Cosponsors (3)

Bill Text(with markup)

Showing first 50k characters.

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Tan Parker

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB2405

Q

What does Texas SB2405 do?

SB 2405 extends the operations of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) through 2037, but its immediate impact lies in a statutory mandate to overhaul vendor contracts and educational partnerships. The law requires TDCJ to renegotiate therapeutic and rehabilitation contracts based on strict "evidence-based" performance metrics and shifts financial liability for post-secondary education programs, directly affecting government contractors, universities, and vocational training providers.

Q

Who authored SB2405?

SB2405 was authored by Texas Senator Tan Parker during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB2405 signed into law?

SB2405 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB2405?

SB2405 is enforced by Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ), Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI), Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and Windham School District.

Q

How significant are the changes in SB2405?

The regulatory priority for SB2405 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB2405?

The cost impact of SB2405 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB2405 address?

SB2405 addresses topics including windham school district, corrections, corrections--jails & prisons, corrections--parole, probation & pardons and education.

Q

What are the key dates for SB2405?

Key dates for SB2405: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Adopt rules establishing maximum capacities for institutional division units (Sec. 499.101). (As soon as practicable after 2025-09-01); Adopt rules regarding the salary career ladder for parole officers (Sec. 508.1131) and maximum caseload guidelines (Sec. 508.1142). (As soon as practicable after 2025-09-01). Consult with legal counse

Q

Which Texas businesses are affected by SB2405?

SB2405 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026