Dear Honorable Members of the Texas State Legislature and the State of Texas,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen regarding the urgent and unacceptable conditions present within the Texas prison system. I implore you to reopen the class action lawsuit Ruiz vs. Estelle in light of new evidence pointing to unsanitary and harmful conditions affecting inmates, particularly at facilities like the Connally Unit.

On January 15, 2025, the Regional Maintenance Manager for Region 4 personally visited a facility at 11:50 AM CST and witnessed firsthand the deplorable conditions that inmates, working hard to meet parole stipulations, are forced to endure. These conditions not only violate basic human rights but contribute significantly to unnecessary trauma that leaves permanent scars. Of particular concern is the recent outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) at the Connally Unit, which poses severe health risks to both inmates and staff.

The existence of such conditions is deeply inhumane and unacceptable. These situations demand immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration and to ensure the safety, dignity, and rehabilitation of all those incarcerated. We cannot allow those who are striving to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society to be subjected to environments that undermine their progress and wellbeing.

We call upon you, our elected officials, to take a compassionate and courageous stand against these injustices. Your position grants you the power and responsibility to enact change and to uphold the principles of justice and humanity for all Texans. We urge you to reopen the Ruiz vs. Estelle lawsuit to address and rectify these dire conditions, ensuring that inmates are treated with respect and provided with the sanitary and safe environment they are entitled to.

The time to act is now. Your leadership and commitment can bring about meaningful reform and prevent further harm to those already vulnerable. We hope you will be moved by empathy, fairness, and a commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of every individual under your jurisdiction.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We eagerly await your decisive action to address and remedy the conditions within our state’s prison system.