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| Texas Prison Board OKs More Beds |
| By San Antonio Express |
| Published: 03/20/2003 |
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The Texas Board of Criminal Justice voted March 10 to add 672 beds at seven prisons to help handle a larger-than-expected inmate influx. It's part of an effort that already has shortened the stay of inmates at substance-abuse rehabilitation programs from nine to six months and prompted parole officials to accelerate consideration of release in certain cases. Lawmakers last month were told that prison admissions have risen faster than projected. Prison spokesman Larry Todd said the system is at its operating capacity with 147,700 inmates. The prison board voted to add the 672 beds at units in Beeville, Abilene, Brownwood, Dayton, Hondo and Plainview. Before the expansion, those facilities were authorized for 8,517 beds. Todd said the additional beds, which require approval from Gov. Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott, will be handled within the existing budget. Changes will include adding beds at dormitory-style prisons, which generally hold minimum- to medium-security inmates. Prison officials have shortened the substance-abuse rehabilitation program to free 2,000 beds. They want to make 1,000 more beds available, converting a Texas Youth Commission unit in Bryan to an adult facility. In addition, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Chairman Gerald Garrett said his panel has accelerated review of cases 'that are going to be considered for release anyway.' |
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