TX SB1078

Requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to adopt policies governing searches of rooms or areas where female inmates who are not fully clothed are present, mandating that female correctional officers conduct such searches when available

Mandates staffing procedures to ensure availability of female officers, and requires male officers who conduct such searches to submit a written report to the warden within 72 hours explaining the reasons

Prohibits visual body cavity searches of female inmates accessing department programs (educational, vocational, substance use treatment, rehabilitation, life skills training, and prerelease programs) except in exigent circumstances or with reasonable suspicion

Defines "exigent circumstances" as temporary, unforeseen situations requiring immediate action to address security threats, explicitly excluding routine program access

Takes effect immediately upon two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers, or September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met