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