While highly effective at reducing recidivism, prison higher education has long been underused in Texas.
A 2024 report from the Sunset Advisory Commission found that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice lacked the data and infrastructure to effectively manage postsecondary programs.
Enrollment dropped by 50% between 2011 and 2021, and as of April 2024, incarcerated Texans on waitlists outnumbered those enrolled four-to-one in associate and bachelor-level programs.
This year, Texas has made initiatives to address prison higher education to improve employment and reduce recidivism.
6 ways Texas addressed prison higher education in TXLEGE 2025
1.The state made moves toward improving prison higher education management
SB 2405 by Sen. Parker & Rep. Canales
For years, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice oversaw postsecondary education programs. The program will now be managed by Windham School District, which oversees academic and career training for adults in Texas prisons.
2.Texas will now improve data sharing across education and workforce programs
SB 2405 cont.
Texas approved measures to align job training with workforce demands and improve accountability by connecting prison data with education and workforce data.
3.Regular oversight and evaluations to improve prison higher education programs
SB 2405 cont.
Texas will now require regular evaluations of postsecondary programs by bringing together stakeholders, experts and agencies for continuous improvement process.
4.Incarcerated Texans can now earn occupational licenses before release
SB 1080 by Sen. West & Rep. Cook
The state will now permit incarcerated Texans who have been through education and training to earn a provisional occupational license. This can improve their odds of getting a high-quality job following their prison release.
5.Free dual credit for incarcerated students
SB1786 by Sen. Creighton & Rep. VanDeaver
Incarcerated students in the Windham School District can now take free dual credit courses while finishing their high school education.
6.More education dollars going directly to incarcerated students
SB 1 by Sen. Huffman & Rep. Bonnen
Texas will ensure that funding for prison-based college programs goes directly to students, not administrative overhead.
