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Senate approves training requirements for TDCJ correctional officers after on‑duty death
Summary
Following the on‑duty death of a correctional officer, the Senate passed HB 2756 to require pre‑service and annual training for Texas Department of Criminal Justice correctional officers and supervisors on de‑escalation, crisis intervention and behavioral health.
The Texas Senate on Monday passed House Bill 2756, which requires pre‑service and annual training for Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) correctional officers and certain other employees in de‑escalation, crisis intervention and behavioral health—measures the sponsor said are intended to reduce the risk of tragedies during cell extractions and similar incidents.
Senator Huffman, introducing the bill on the floor, said the measure responds to the November 2023 death of correctional officer Jovian Motley at the Wainwright unit and seeks to improve officer safety through training on effective communication, alternatives to physical restraints, techniques to limit force, proper lighting, cell extraction safety techniques and fundamental lifesaving procedures. The bill’s text, as described on the floor, requires training for correctional officers and their supervisors on de‑escalation, crisis intervention and behavioral health and makes those courses pre‑service and annual requirements.
The Senate suspended the regular order of business to take up HB 2756, passed the bill to third reading without objection, and later suspended the three‑day rule so the bill could receive final passage. The roll call announced on the floor recorded 30 ayes and 0 nays for final passage.
Supporters described the bill as a practical step to increase safety for officers and incarcerated persons; the transcript includes sponsor remarks in support and a recorded unanimous floor vote.
