Compassionate Release/MRIS

  • A Service Provided Free of Charge

    In Texas, "Compassionate Release" or Medical Release Intensive Supervision Parole allows inmates with severe medical conditions or infirmities to be released under certain circumstances. This type of release is intended for those whose health conditions are so severe that they cannot be adequately treated within the prison system, or who are no longer a threat to society due to their condition.

    The process for requesting compassionate release typically involves several steps:

    1. Medical Evaluation: The inmate’s medical condition must be thoroughly documented by prison medical staff, indicating the severity of the illness or infirmity and whether it necessitates release.

    2. Application: The inmate, their legal representative, or a family member can submit a request for compassionate release to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP). This request usually includes medical documentation and any other relevant information supporting the claim.

    3. Review and Recommendation: The BPP reviews the application and makes a recommendation based on the severity of the medical condition, the risk posed by the inmate, and other factors. They may also consider input from medical experts.

    4. Final Decision: The recommendation is then forwarded to the Governor of Texas, who makes the final decision on whether to grant the release.

    5. Supervision Conditions: If granted, the release typically involves strict supervision conditions to ensure the safety of the community and appropriate care for the inmate.

    This process ensures that compassionate release is only granted under appropriate circumstances and with due consideration for both the health of the inmate and public safety.

    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

    ​​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