JD Key Consulting Logo
SB1506

Regular Session

Relating to the frequency with which the Board of Pardons and Paroles reconsiders inmates for release on parole.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
SB1506
Low
Relating to the frequency with which the Board of Pardons and Paroles reconsiders inmates for release on parole.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
BPPTexas Department of Criminal Jus...
Primary Author: Sen. Tan Parker
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Legal counsel must update advisories immediately; facility operators must adjust forecasting models).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Board of Pardons and Paroles is statutorily required to adopt a scheduling policy "as soon as practicable" after September 1, 2025. Expect a "regulatory gray zone" in Q4 2025 where specific criteria for the 5-year set-off are undefined until published in the *Texas Register*.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Revise Retainers: Immediately amend legal engagement letters to remove "annual review" language and switch to event-based billing.
  • Audit Client Lists: Notify current incarcerated clients that the September 1, 2025 effective date applies to them regardless of their sentencing date (No Grandfather Clause).
  • Adjust Forecasting: Facility operators must update Q4 2025 and FY2026 population models to account for lower discharge rates.
  • Monitor Rulemaking: Assign a compliance officer to track the *Texas Register* for the BPP's specific scheduling criteria policy.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Legal Defense: Engagement letters structured around annual parole packet preparation are obsolete. You must revise contracts to reflect "per-review" fee structures immediately, as the next billable event may be 5 years away.
  • Government Vendors: If your contract with TDCJ includes performance metrics tied to inmate throughput, release velocity, or re-entry volume, request a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to adjust targets. Release cycles will likely slow, impacting these metrics.

Hiring/Training

  • Legal Staff: Train attorneys and intake staff to stop advising clients of a guaranteed one-year review.
  • Facility Case Managers: Update training on inmate classification to distinguish between Group A (General: 1-5 year set-off), Group B (Specific Drug Offenses: 1 year), and Group C (Capital/Sexual: 1-10 year).

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Docketing Systems: Law firms must reconfigure case management software to accept variable "tickler" dates (up to 5 or 10 years) rather than automatic 12-month cycles.
  • Population Forecasting: Private facility operators must adjust retention models. Expect reduced turnover in medium-security populations, which stabilizes per-capita revenue but reduces intake/discharge processing volume.

Fees & Costs

  • Legal Revenue: Firms relying on annual parole packet fees will face a cash flow gap. Annual recurring revenue will convert to sporadic revenue occurring every 3-5 years.
  • Operational Costs: Per-capita vendor revenue (medical/food) may stabilize due to reduced inmate churn (longer stays per inmate).

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

The statute grants the BPP discretion but does not define the criteria for *when* to apply a 5-year set-off versus a 1-year set-off. It is currently unknown if the Board will use the 5-year delay as a standard administrative tool to clear backlogs or reserve it for specific offender profiles. Businesses must monitor the upcoming BPP policy publication to determine the new "standard" review cycle.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

Our government affairs experts can walk you through this bill's specific impact on your operations.

Schedule Consultation

Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 20, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 16, 2025
Passed House
May 6, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsCorrectionsCorrections--parole, Probation & PardonsPardons & Paroles, Board ofCrimesCrimes--drugs
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Tan ParkerRepublican · Primary Author
Coauthors (1)

House Sponsors

Rep. Sam HarlessRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Joint Sponsors

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

Explore more bills from this author and on related topics

More from Sen. Tan Parker

View all bills by Sen. Tan Parker

Related by Topic

View more Corrections legislation
Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1506

Q

What does Texas SB1506 do?

SB1506 eliminates the mandatory annual parole review for general population inmates, granting the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) discretion to delay reconsideration for up to five years (or ten for specific violent offenses). This statutory change immediately impacts inmate retention forecasting for private facility operators and necessitates a complete restructuring of fee agreements for criminal defense and parole advocacy firms. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Legal counsel must update advisories immediately; facility operators must adjust forecasting models).

Q

Who authored SB1506?

SB1506 was authored by Texas Senator Tan Parker during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB1506 signed into law?

SB1506 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB1506?

SB1506 is enforced by Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) and Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB1506?

The compliance urgency for SB1506 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB1506?

The cost impact of SB1506 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB1506 address?

SB1506 addresses topics including corrections, corrections--parole, probation & pardons, pardons & paroles, board of, crimes and crimes--drugs.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

Need Strategic Guidance on This Bill?

Need help with Government Relations, Lobbying, or compliance? JD Key Consulting has the expertise you're looking for.