House adds special‑operations correctional officers to official custodial corps

The House passed House Bill 455 on Nov. 3, 2025, which amends existing custodial statutes to include security and protection agents of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation’s special operations unit as part of the official custodial corps. Sponsor Estrella Martínez told the chamber that these agents perform high‑risk duties — carry firearms, manage disturbances and work daily with adjudicated youth — yet have not been formally recognized in statute and miss related benefits.

Committee testimony and a departmental certification were referenced on the floor indicating the department supports the change and certified no adverse fiscal impact. Members who co‑authored or responded to testimony said the measure fills an omission rather than creating a new benefit tier. The House approved the bill by roll call.