Letter to County Sheriffs from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Upon the conclusion of the 81st Legislature, new laws were enacted that will require seven changes to Minimum Jail Standards. The seven proposed changes to Minimum Jail Standards are enclosed. The formal adoption of the amended minimum jail standards will progress through normal rulemaking procedures as outlined in Title 37 Part 9 Chapter 255 of the Texas Administrative Code and will likely be adopted in November. However, all new statutes will go into effect on September 1, 2009 and will require Texas jails to make necessary changes on that date. To assist in the transition, the following information outlines enacted legislation, changes to minimum jail standards, and required action of Texas counties.

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