Texas needs more Compassionate Release! Compassionate release is a process by which the incarcerated may be eligible for immediate early release on grounds of "particularly extraordinary or compelling circumstances which could not reasonably have been foreseen by the court at the time of sentencing". In Texas, there are two programs to obtain this type of parole. Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS) and Emergency Medical Reprieve (EMR). TDCJ has a rapidly aging population. Due to factors like extreme heat, poor nutrition, and poor medical care, there appears to be a substantial amount of incarcerated individuals with declining health. Despite the fact that this type of parole is more humane, cost-effective, and has an extremely low recidivism rate, the program approval rate is very low with many passing away prior to receiving program approval.  TPCA believes that the expansion of these programs is well overdue.

Medically Recommended Intensive Supervision (MRIS)  is a program that was first created in 1987 to provide the opportunity for early parole for incarcerated Texans based on being significantly ill, elderly, and/or having physical or mental disabilities.  The program is managed by Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) where eligible incarcerated persons are presented to the BPP voting panel for MRIS consideration.  

• Application or Referral 

  • Internal referrals - medical staff on a Correctional Institutions Division (CID) unit. 

  • External referrals - family, incarcerated individuals, elected officials, social service agencies​​

• Eligibility  

  • Terminal Illness (expected death within 6 months)

  • Elderly (+ 65 yrs)

  • Physical Disability (substantial functional limitations in three or more  specific areas)

  • Developmentally Disabled 

  • Mental Illness 

  • Need for Long-Term Care 

  • Organic Brain Syndrome

  • Persistent Vegetative State

  • Special needs patients

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​Unfortunately, there are many "gatekeepers"  based on the type of conviction that severely limits eligibility for this program.  ​

• DisQualifiers 

  • Serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole or on Death Row

  • Active Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers, Not U.S. Citizens, reportable convictions or adjudications 

  • Sex offense or reportable conviction or adjudication for a sex offense, unless in a “vegetative state” or have Organic Brain Syndrome 

 

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