Texas Adult Pay to Stay Policy
| Submitted | July 14, 2023 |
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Communications
From: Kelly Stevenson
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
While we are aware that medical copayments for incarcerated adults were suspended in 2020 and forgone in FY21, we seek clarification over whether medical fees were assessed and collected in FY22 and FY23.
If so, we ask that you provide all reports, databases, spreadsheets, or equivalent materials regarding such fees, including the number of individuals charged for medical fees and the total amount of medical fees collected in FY22 and FY23.
While we are aware that room and board fees are only collected for those participating in the Prison Industry Enhancement Program, we seek all current policies and procedures related to how such fees are set, accrued, imposed, collected, and enforced (such as those related to per diem fees, ability to pay determinations, penalties for late or non-payment, authorization for civil or criminal action for payment enforcement, etc).
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Kelly Stevenson
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Texas Public Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 14, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Kelly,
On July 14, 2023, you submitted to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice a public information request (0560-07-2023) seeking: (1) information that clarifies whether medical fees (medical copayments for incarcerated adults) were assessed and collected in FY2022 and FY2023; (2) the applicable reports showing the number of individuals charged and the amount of medical fees collected during FY2022 and FY2023; and (3) a copy of current policies and procedures related to how room and board fees are set, collected, and enforced in the Prison Industry Enhancement Program.
In March 2020, TDCJ suspended imposition of inmate health fee to prevent and mitigate COVID-19. This was to ensure that all inmates experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 would seek immediate medical attention. On September 1, 2021, the health care fee was reinstated. No inmate is ever denied medical services due to a lack of funds.
Your request is now closed. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Amanda Hernandez, Ed.D.
Director of Communications
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
936.437.6052
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2-0560-07-2023 ABS
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