Texas prisoners face new book ban after hundreds test positive for synthetic drugs
The policy follows 385 books that tested positive for synthetic drugs last year, and advocates say it will limit access to donated reading material.
- The Texas Department of Criminal Justice implemented a policy in April banning inmates from receiving hardback and used books, now routing all donations through the Windham School District.
- Officials enacted the measure after 385 books entering prisons tested positive for synthetic drugs last year, including meth and fentanyl. Timothy Fitzpatrick, director of classification and records at TDCJ, called it necessary to prevent dangerous contraband.
- Texas already bans 10,827 book titles, but advocates argue this expansion restricts vital literature. Scott Odierno of the Inside Book Project warned the change forces the group to restrict what they send, as many trade and legal books are hardcover.
- Inmates have 90 days to send prohibited hardback or used books elsewhere or face destruction. Some inmates complain the measure creates inequities, as prisoners with more money can purchase new books while indigent inmates cannot.
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According to state officials, a new state policy that prohibits inmates from receiving hardcover books and used books will curb smuggling into the facility, but defenders and some inmates say that the latter policy significantly expands the thousands of books that are already banned for prisoners. “I’m concerned that they’re restricting access to really important things, information, and ideas for prisoners as a way of saying they’re doing somet…
Associated Press News
Texas prisoners face new book ban after hundreds test positive for synthetic drugs
A new state policy that bans prison inmates from receiving hardback books and used books will curb contrabands that enter into facilities, according to state officials, but advocates and some inmates say the latest policy significantly expands the thousands of books already banned from prisoners.
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