[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6578925,"mediaKeyId","3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1","parentId",3119486,"title","TDCJ highlights reentry partnerships, Workday platform and Bartlett Innovation Unit during Second Chance Month","audioSeconds",2022,"startMs",11380000,"endMs",13402000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1&start=11380&end=13402","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1/thumbnail_11380000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6578925/Texas/TDCJ-highlights-reentry-partnerships-Workday-platform-and-Bartlett-Innovation-Unit-during-Second-Chance-Month","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578925-eef77dbac6a2fece73f7fe0e01f1ae80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164871&Signature=bMqAtMxXTnAARd122NCtus-KNp5~2edAfrjVuJ3bYQQmIgjvnL-GqHqdBIoNE-tJI4iYHQsze0nnjmNG9zNKYLWp28kmeY6v3dLP0OYruniiEP2lkXgUwh~qx1eg94arbqKJ-0bpLqqJ4qbC59BF42OfU32VA9xl8QZ9WOcOssRZCR7mKiSOF1sVb1qEkryv5rm5A3ATNhz6OKWLTJw-AMdgWCfo7YuZuLytDxthBUgCuI1VhxHwWAiRdPF7UcbYT7~zIPPNQRzamBrlw7KiRjgJVzu2jWo4Eza9zhP2jXUaJ3YpowMcg5wvaqrhIJETBIslXjjLsubcQQpRPjyN2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Department of Criminal Justice","date","2025-04-24T23:17:01.647Z","article","The Texas Department of Criminal Justice used its board meeting to highlight reentry programs, employer partnerships and a new workforce development platform that agency leaders said will provide incarcerated people marketable job skills and a verified employment record upon release.

April Zamora, director of the Rehabilitation and Reentry Division, described partnerships with industry and nonprofit organizations. She said the agency is working with the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Restaurant Association Foundation on programs to train incarcerated persons in restaurant and hospitality skills and to connect graduates to employers.

Workday platform: Zamora described a digital workforce and learning platform (WebsiteForWork/Workday) launched on secure tablets as a pilot in 2024 and then expanded system‑wide. She reported that the platform had about 103,981 users at the time of the briefing and emphasized that learning, resume building and employer connections remain accessible for two years after release. \"The platform emphasizes employer engagement, job matching, connecting inmates with fair‑chance employers,\" Zamora said.

Bartlett and community partners: Zamora and board members highlighted the Bartlett Innovation Unit and the Veteran X peer recovery program. The Bartlett unit also operates a dog‑handler program in partnership with a county animal shelter and uses volunteer and faith‑based partnerships to support reintegration.

Forgiven Felons and community reentry providers: Representatives from the nonprofit Forgiven Felons described a planned Forgiven Ranch transitional community and said they face a regulatory barrier: an existing rule that prevents transitional homes from operating within 1,000 feet of another approved site. Forgiven Felons said the donor offered to redraw property lines but the request was denied; board members agreed to follow up with the appropriate agencies to clarify the regulatory pathway.

Why it matters: Workforce training, employer engagement and residential reentry options are central to lowering recidivism and improving public safety. Zamora noted that employment events and employer engagement during Second Chance Month resulted in immediate job offers to some participants.

What’s next: Workday and employer pipelines will expand; staff expect additional procurement and partnership work and will report back to the board on progress. The board also held a Second Chance Month proclamation signed by the governor and first lady (to be displayed subsequently).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","240th TBCJ Meeting and 347th Windham School District Board of Trustees Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Rehabilitation and reentry director April Zamora showcased employer partnerships, the Workday workforce platform for incarcerated users and Bartlett unit programs. The board noted Second Chance Month activities and that a gubernatorial proclamation was available.","taxTitle","Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Departments and Agencies, Executive, Texas","taxId",17246,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578930,"Board adopts multiple policy and personnel‑directive changes including telework rule, PREA amendments and visitation updates",310,6578000,6888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1&start=6578&end=6888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1/thumbnail_6578000.jpg","/articles/6578930/Texas/Board-adopts-multiple-policy-and-personneldirective-changes-including-telework-rule-PREA-amendments-and-visitation-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578930-3f8cf7603a82b76f5a8c52b86c1f101d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164871&Signature=QmfIiNUagSBtfUoCnXSpDrUrUUNjmSnwwUv67hfRMBa8Q7kyEeMdD0WrKdLF2HI7kLo8ZM5G0abMsQvFBtSF2qP3XMQMBxmR-lR1w3VLtShFCfPErc8zr9yydeNneBrfcvOpNjso1LNJ2IvILCljTsLDtAFj5mbegfFUfUcvEfu-WH1cEKQGJXA-iSPQX2IBASylRc8m~EFGrD5S82jJ0pRvSzkQT4lQu9ZkE3p7tKhxE1p1Qsgh~hB6XH169Rx93gTbjoRDjx7qo2NFODG3cHfG8qob0jyaHAK0Veexzyyi2XkPYuz3AQv1ilDXexmLqmk7iRZCz5QRNsrhzOrYhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Board of Criminal Justice approved multiple rule and policy changes proposed by agency counsel and human resources staff, ranging from a new telework policy to revisions to PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) ombudsman authority, inmate visitation rules and personnel directives addressing discrimination and conduct.

Key items presented by General Counsel Stephanie Greger included:
- Proposed amendments to Title 37, Texas Administrative Code section 151.51 (Custodial Officer Certification and Hazardous Duty Pay guidelines). Changes include updated terminology (\"inmate\"), additions to hazardous duty categories and changes to signature authority; the board approved publication in the Texas Register for public comment.
- Proposed amendments to Texas Administrative Code section 152.25 (maximum rated capacity of individual units) to increase capacity at a list of units and reduce capacity at Allred and Stiles to reflect renovations; the board approved publication for comment.
- Adoption of a new Board Policy BP‑11.75 on telework. Counsel proposed a minor change at the meeting to direct approval of certain telework requests via the board Human Resources Committee chair; the board approved the amendment and adopted the new policy.
- Revisions to Board Policy 2.09 (PREA Ombudsman Policy Statement). The amendment clarifies the PREA ombudsman’s authority over training and defines \"imminent risk\" among other changes; the board approved the revisions for publication.
- Revisions to the agency inmate visitation plan and Board Policy 3.85 (Inmate Visitation). Changes included updated screening technology language, clarified rules for service animals and adjustments to allowable visitor items (for example, clarification that adult visitors may bring up to $35 in coins and one debit/credit card); the board approved the visitation plan revisions.
- Personnel directives: the board approved revised PD‑21 (renamed Anti‑Discrimination in the Workplace) and PD‑22 (General Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Action). The board also approved deletion requests to rescind PD‑13 and PD‑31 because their content was incorporated into PD‑21.

Board votes: Each item was moved, seconded and approved with voice votes; recorded motions and seconds appear in the meeting transcript. The board discussed process and asked staff to continue vetting administrative details with Human Resources and General Counsel.

Why it matters: The package of rule and policy changes affects employee pay categories, unit capacities, staff telework authority, protections related to sexual abuse and harassment, rules for visitor access and the agency’s disciplinary framework.

Next steps: Items approved for publication will be posted in the Texas Register for public comment where applicable. The telework policy and personnel directive revisions are in effect as adopted by the board and will be implemented through division channels.","TDCJ General Counsel presented a series of proposed policy and rule changes. The board approved publication or adoption for amendments to custodial officer certification, unit capacities, a new telework policy, PREA ombudsman language, visitation plan changes and revisions to personnel directives PD‑21 and PD‑22.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578935,"Board approves 55 purchases and contracts over $1 million, including expanded analytics work under a one‑time grant",3227,13952000,17179000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1&start=13952&end=17179","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1/thumbnail_13952000.jpg","/articles/6578935/Texas/Board-approves-55-purchases-and-contracts-over-1-million-including-expanded-analytics-work-under-a-onetime-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578935-a3fccfe9837c965288dfff1d8738e348/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164871&Signature=I314pJdtFgAhwdpzKnacMOLwdy8GQXFqVB2~wv1C3nW4VPvihYEhUM9-RzVBKecj1o~42VTD4wAijdrM3-jiqpRR7m1aGxsajQAIfeCYrtgnoroyJfcIx32pjXgY4bRrXbGBnLU8nB8IHZd0VSEvYDT2qamoS889RfTlfrS6Dk4w6JpDwL2JaYWJbsXTs29B5FvESNwnZXKWVF7tg-6vxxl49dxqbinFDzQ2LcO5s6-dvbMG~c4CsajKvZRMv6q4WzGeDY6x5Jjxw4Qkq0cFhIjjBMykmTOk03~auD2yrjaZOOu9~YXdsoLybT9Hcm4xE--cJlM-K1tWI8bz1In0jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Board of Criminal Justice approved a slate of 55 purchases and contracts that exceeded $1 million, covering a mix of manufacturing inputs, reentry residential services, food and feed purchases, natural gas supplies and substance‑use treatment contracts.

Chief Financial Officer Ron Steffa told the board the items appear behind tab M in the board packet and represent the agency’s fiscal year purchasing for operations and correctional industries. Notable items included supply contracts for leather/aluminum/sign blanks and license plate materials, modular panel systems for Correctional Industries, multiple contracts for residential reentry centers and substance abuse felony punishment facility services, and agricultural feed and soy products used in TDCJ livestock operations.

A material line item discussed by board members was an increase to a cloud‑based analytics contract (Leo Technology) that Steffa said reflects receipt of approximately $14 million in additional grant funds to expand analytics coverage and usage. Pastor Nate Sprinkle and other board members asked whether the award was one‑time grant funding; Steffa said it was a one‑time grant at present but could be renewed.

Why it matters: The purchases fund core TDCJ operations, Correctional Industries manufacturing and reentry supports; the expanded analytics work is aimed at intelligence around phone and communications data.

Board action: The board approved the purchases and contracts as presented (motion and second recorded; voice vote in favor). The board also approved a 10% variance where staff requested it for commodity price fluctuation on certain food and natural gas items.

Clarifying details: Steffa identified contracting types including term contracts awarded through the comptroller, distributor blankets (catalog‑based ordering), DIR (Department of Information Resources) automated information systems contracts, and professional services agreements. Several items carried requested variances to cover price and usage fluctuations (example: natural gas contract variance of 10%).

What’s next: The contracts will move into procurement and execution. Finance staff said they will continue to present summary contract packages to the board for oversight.","Chief Financial Officer Ron Steffa presented 55 purchases/contracts for board approval covering manufacturing inputs, reentry residential centers, food and feed supplies, and a grant‑funded expansion of analytics software for inmate phone data.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578939,"TDCJ reports progress on dozens of facility projects; board approves Huntsville roof and Stiles HVAC upgrades",8806,2088000,10894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1&start=2088&end=10894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3119486-8b2f5d572269a8ff6f541f79b80946a1/thumbnail_2088000.jpg","/articles/6578939/Texas/TDCJ-reports-progress-on-dozens-of-facility-projects-board-approves-Huntsville-roof-and-Stiles-HVAC-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578939-53d505d3ba108f22a8c6c563d9651c2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164871&Signature=KkAmJHrgbtVrpEH6QGqBeoMBXS2kwI6Q2ET-93TK9truxWFPmez36N92077xHtx4ZFAPRbDx9q69wRvFavntEwS9MxjGAnUNrH2LJc~OBjBqIY54Pq6HPsd~7UtLUnKN29nG9rJQqMG4M0klKFwg-oI1r5qMp-u6dXN5sHvGIw8N6iirkqA~AvEkhq6JRLLKd3~7Yzjl3bumLs8mNzO9dlpWc4y6s9vl7TiLGnAmesesszCYPx92DgY0bJMaNSDr45A8xg7bS~qlJsCC8rrdq3sreLxoRC0a~v2qTlE4D3m5lTr0sKE750LmE3eGLnqHTqWXseFS40qhEN6ghzdjTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Department of Criminal Justice presented a broad status update on board‑approved construction and repair projects and secured board approval for two specific projects: replacement of the mechanical department roof at the Huntsville unit and HVAC efficiency upgrades in Building 12 at the Stiles unit.

Facilities Division Director Ron Hudson delivered the project status briefing, saying individual projects ranged from near completion to early design. He listed progress on roofing at Michael, Stringfellow and other units, water‑treatment and clarifier work at multiple sites, fire alarm and HVAC installations, and completion of monitored fence detection systems at several units. \"Item number 1 is the Michael unit roofing project. This project is 68%,\" Hudson said during the update and then walked directors through dozens of additional line items and percent‑complete figures.

The update included cost and schedule context for completed projects. Hudson said several fence and monitoring projects closed under budget (an example: a project with a $6,272,700 board‑approved program cost closed at an estimated $4,693,986, or about 26% under program cost).

Why it matters: The projects address infrastructure that affects security, inmate housing conditions and life‑safety systems across TDCJ facilities. Board members pressed staff on procurement timing, vendor availability and delays attributable to COVID supply chain impacts on items such as generators.

Board action: The board approved two separate construction requests brought forward from the Facilities Division:
- Repair/replace roof at the Huntsville unit mechanical department. Program cost presented: $1,908,100. Motion approved by the board (motion made and seconded; voice vote in favor).
- HVAC system efficiency upgrades, Building 12, inmate housing at the Stiles unit (Beaumont). Program cost presented: $4,077,300. Motion approved by the board (motion made and seconded; voice vote in favor).

Details and clarifications: Hudson said the Huntsville roofing bid came from a Houston hub vendor and includes a 20‑year warranty; construction duration was listed as 360 days. For the Stiles HVAC work, staff reported demolition of old air handlers and installation of new built‑in air handlers, controls and connections to emergency backup power; construction duration was listed at 450 days and included a one‑year contractor/manufacturer parts warranty.

What’s next: Hudson and his staff said they will bring additional designed HVAC projects to the June board meeting for procurement as they complete technical evaluations and follow state procurement rules.","Facilities Division provided a status update covering roofing, water and HVAC projects across many units. The board approved a roof repair at the Huntsville unit and HVAC efficiency upgrades at the Stiles unit, with program costs and timelines presented.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TDCJ highlights reentry partnerships, Workday platform and Bartlett Innovation Unit during Second Chance Month

Board adopts multiple policy and personnel‑directive changes including telework rule, PREA amendments and visitation updates

Board approves 55 purchases and contracts over $1 million, including expanded analytics work under a one‑time grant

TDCJ reports progress on dozens of facility projects; board approves Huntsville roof and Stiles HVAC upgrades