Texas. Legislature. Senate. Penitentiary Investigating Committee

The Texas Senate Penitentiary Investigating Committee was created by Senate Simple Resolutions 39 and 41 (34th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session) in 1915, to investigate the affairs of the Texas Prison System. The committee was composed of five senators and their investigation lasted two months, with committee members visiting all of the farms, camps, and prisons in the system. The committee examined the business and financial transactions of the prison system and employed a special accountant to survey the prison finances and make an efficiency report. The committee also heard testimony from prisoners on alleged abuses, other complaints, and their health care, and then addressed the same issues with prison wardens, guards, and physicians. The committee presented a written report with recommendations to the Senate on September 2, 1915.

(Sources include: the guide survey completed for this material.)