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Jail or Prison Visits

Jails

Previous executive orders from Governor Greg Abbott had prohibited in-person visitation at jails. However, Executive Order GA-34 issued on March 2nd, 2021 states that "county and municipal jails should follow guidance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) regarding visitation." On March 3rd, 2021, TCJS issued standards that direct counties to make an in-person visitation plan and submit it to TCJS for approval. No information is given on how long this approval process will take.

Texas Governor's Executive Order No. GA-34 (3/02/21)
Effective: March 10, 2021.
Technical Assistance Memorandum #21-02 (3/3/2021)
This document from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards provides guidance for county jails as they begin to allow in-person visitation.

State Prisons

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) allows in-person visitation at TDCJ units since March 15th, 2021.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice to Resume In-person Visitation (03/09/21)
This TDCJ press release announces the return of in-person visitation for inmates in TDCJ units. Details on COVID-19 restrictions for both visitors and inmates are included.
Face 2 Face: Remote Video Visitation
TDCJ has introduced a new program that allows inmates at certain facilities to "visit" with their friends and family through live video chat.

Release without Bail, "Cite and Release," or Early Commutation of Sentence

Some county and municipal jails may be seeking to reduce their inmate populations in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Executive Order No. GA-13

On March 29th, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott placed limits on which types of inmates can be released without bail or have their sentence commuted during the COVID-19 outbreak. The order was challenged in the courts.

Texas Governor's Executive Order No. GA-13 (3/29/2020)
Effective: March 29th, 2020 until amended or rescinded. — This Executive Order placed limits on the types of inmates who can be released without bail in county and municipal jails and who can have their sentence commuted.
Texas Supreme Court Sides with Abbott After Judge Halted His Order Restricting Jail Release (4/23/2020)
This news article describes the court case over Governor Greg Abbot's Executive Order No. GA-13 regarding the release of prisoners without bail.
As Local Officials Shrink Jail Populations Due to Coronavirus, Abbott Blocks Release of Some Inmates Who Can’t Pay Bail (3/29/2020)
This news article describes Governor Abbot's executive order which banned release without bail for inmates who are accused of or have been convicted in the past of violent offenses. According to the order, these types of inmates could still be released if they paid bail.
Gov. Greg Abbott Has Lifted Almost All Texas Pandemic Restrictions. But Not the One Limiting Jail Releases (6/10/2021)
This news article discusses how Governor Abbott has not rescinded restrictions on jail releases, despite rescinding most other pandemic-related executive orders.

Guidance for Jails

Texas Prisons Will Accept County Jail Inmates Again, Three Months After the Coronavirus Halted Intake (6/16/2020)
This news article describes the end of a policy that had stopped the transfer of inmates from county jails to TDCJ custody in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The policy had been set out in a letter from TDCJ's executive director to sheriffs.
Court Procedures for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Texas Office of Court Administration has provided these guidelines for the operation of courts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance includes information on setting and reviewing bail.
Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Technical Assistance Memorandum (3/17/2020)
This memorandum recommends that, among other things, sheriffs and jail administrators: "Explore options for releasing non-violent misdemeanor offenders with local county/district attorney", and "Explore options with local arresting agencies regarding 'cite and release' for those who commit non-violent crimes in order to reduce number of individuals booked into the facility."

Compassionate Release

They Can’t Wait: FAMM’s Response to COVID-19
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) is a criminal justice reform advocacy nonprofit. FAMM'S They Can't Wait program provides assistance with the compassionate release application process for federal prisoners.