Texas Lands in the Top Ten as a Most Hostile State for Felons

Texas is a big state so it's safe to assume that it will have its share of felons.  Huntsville, Texas is the capital of prisons in Texas with 7 inside Walker County.

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Felons often face the challenge of carrying their past mistakes with them for the rest of their lives, even if they have taken steps to change. Unfortunately, some felons continue to engage in criminal behavior and end up in prison repeatedly. It seems unfair that those who have worked hard to turn their lives around are still negatively affected by the actions of those who have not.

Understandably, safeguards are in place, but felons often encounter obstacles when it comes to finding jobs and exercising their right to vote after serving their time.

According to a study conducted by Zippia, Texas ranks #10 as the most hostile state in the country for felons.

Texas does not have a Ban the Box statute.

This law prohibits questions about criminal history on employment applications.   Austin enacted a city ordinance in 2016 similar to the Ban the Box statute.   The Austin statute stated that a business with 15 or more employees could not ask job candidates about their criminal history, and they could not conduct a background check until a conditional job offer was delivered.  When Texas Bill 2127 (the Death Star law), went into effect in September 2023, Austin's statute was no longer valid.

What about Voting?

Currently, Texas is home to 3% disenfranchised felons, which means they do not have the right to vote.  Any felon currently in prison, on probation or parole, does not have the right to vote in the State of Texas.  After completing the sentence, including probation and parole, individuals convicted of a felony can regain their right to vote.

The most hostile state in the US for felons is Mississippi, and the most friendly state for felons is Vermont.