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TDCJ board approves new inmate correspondence rules to curb drug‑laced books
Summary
The Texas Board of Criminal Justice voted to revise inmate correspondence rules requiring softback, new‑condition books and an advance‑notification portal after staff and OIG reported synthetic‑drug lacing in mailed and donated books and a spike in overdose deaths. The changes take effect April 1 for certain provisions.
The Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Feb. 26 approved changes to board policy 3.91 that will restrict many books sent into TDCJ facilities and require advance notice from senders, a move agency leaders said is aimed at stopping criminal organizations from smuggling drugs into prisons.
TDCJ Chief Programs Officer Jason Clark told the board staff discovered 8,385 books that tested positive for drugs in 2025 and that drug exposures have contributed to inmate overdose deaths; he said 78 overdose deaths were confirmed through autopsy results in calendar year 2025. Clark said hardback books and stained or frayed used books are being exploited—spines and covers can hide contraband and stains that look benign can contain illegal narcotics.
"Criminal organizations are using the spines and the covers to hide…
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