I am writing to advocate for critical reforms in the Texas parole system. After serving 20 years in prison, I am now in my sixth year of a ten-year parole term. Despite decades of incarceration and years of full compliance on parole, I face serious barriers while trying to rebuild my life, regain trust in my community, and move forward. My experience is not unique; many individuals who have completed long sentences and work diligently to live responsibly remain under extended or lifetime parole in Texas, even after demonstrating that they can lead stable, productive lives.

The Burden of Indefinite Supervision
Parole is intended to support successful reentry, yet indefinite supervision often perpetuates punishment long after accountability, growth, and commitment to change have been established. When supervision lacks a clear end date, it creates ongoing hardships that negatively impact employment, housing, family stability, and mental health.

Statistics: Texas has one of the largest parole populations in the country, with over 100,000 people currently living under parole supervision. Many remain on supervision for years or decades, often without any violations or new charges.

Personal Stories of Resilience
Consider the story of a friend of mine, a talented film director and content creator. Despite her exceptional skills and determination, she was denied admission to film school because of her background. Through self-taught efforts and the support of mentors, she has become a successful film director who travels across the U.S. for her work. However, she faces the additional challenge of needing approval several times a month to travel for her projects.

Her experience is emblematic of many individuals with felony backgrounds who must navigate complex barriers to pursue their careers. We often find ourselves getting creative in our employment, seeking out unconventional opportunities to make a sustainable wage. This ingenuity is frequently stifled by the constraints of indefinite parole.

Additionally, through my work with The Wright Cause, I have had several opportunities to volunteer inside the prison system. However, I have been waiting for almost two years for my parole officer to sign off on this opportunity. Each day I wait hinders my ability to contribute meaningfully to my community. They continue to say that my request is "in process," but the reality is that they are too busy to sign a simple document, which limits my potential impact.

The Negative Impact of Indefinite Parole
Indefinite supervision creates significant barriers to successful reentry, including:

Employment Limitations: Many individuals struggle to secure stable, higher-paying jobs or obtain professional licenses due to their criminal records. According to the National Institute of Justice, individuals with felony backgrounds are 50% more likely to be unemployed compared to those without a record.
Housing Challenges: Finding stable housing becomes increasingly difficult, as many landlords are reluctant to rent to individuals with felony histories.
Financial Strain: Ongoing fees and reporting requirements create additional financial burdens, making it harder to achieve stability.
Increased Risk of Reincarceration: Continued supervision raises the risk of reincarceration for technical violations that do not pose a threat to public safety. Research shows that 67% of individuals who experience technical violations are reincarcerated within three years.

Legal References
Texas Government Code § 508.141:

This statute outlines the eligibility for parole and the conditions under which individuals may be released. However, it lacks provisions for an automatic discharge process, leaving many individuals on parole indefinitely.
Texas Penal Code § parole regulations:

This section governs the terms and conditions of parole in Texas. It does not provide a clear pathway for individuals to earn discharge after a period of compliance, leading to extended supervision without justification.
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles:

The Board oversees parole decisions but currently has no established mechanism for individuals to petition for early discharge based on demonstrated compliance and rehabilitation.

Studies from the Urban Institute and Bureau of Justice Statistics highlight that states with clear pathways for parole discharge experience lower recidivism rates, supporting the need for reform in Texas.

I urge the Texas Legislature, with oversight from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, to reform the law and create a fair, earned pathway off parole. This reform should allow individuals to be considered for discharge after three to five consecutive years of full compliance, with regular assessments based on behavior, stability, and contributions to the community.

Ending lifetime and excessive parole terms would:

Strengthen families and improve community ties.
Enhance employment outcomes for individuals.
Reduce unnecessary reincarceration.
Allow parole officers to focus on those who genuinely need support.
Save public resources and restore dignity to those who have earned a second chance.
Parole should be a bridge to freedom, not a lifetime extension of punishment.

I urge the Texas Legislature to act during the 90th Legislative Session and create a system that rewards accountability, recognizes rehabilitation, and allows people to fully move forward with their lives.