Texas is a state built around the premise there is no unit more important than the family. Rep. Eric Johnson's (Dallas) HB 549 would preserve face-to-face visitation for family members whose loved one is incarcerated in a county jail.

HB 549 has already been voted out of committee, in order to get a vote by the full House, the Calendars Committee needs to set an early date. Unfortunately the Sheriff's association and other special interest groups that seek to make profit off the backs of those who can least afford it are using legislative tricks to keep the bill where it is. If the bill stays much longer it will die, leaving thousands of families across this great state in peril of losing in-person visitation.

Nothing can replace seeing someone in-person. Whether its Skype, FaceTime, or other forms of video chatting, no one would suggest these are even remotely the same as sitting across from a person, looking into their eyes, and having a conversation.

When people are incarcerated in our jails, the same is true, visitation by video is no substitute for maintaining strong vibrant relationships on both sides of the jail walls.

Counties across the state have entered into contracts with companies that force the jail to restrict and often strip families abilities to see their loved ones. People could spend weeks, months, even years, never actually being able to see their son, daughter, father, mother.

Please sign and share the power of the people is needed!