SECTION 291.4. Visitation Plan

Each facility shall have and implement a written plan, approved by the commission, governing inmate visitation. The plan shall:

(1) indicate frequency of visitation periods; each inmate shall be allowed a minimum of two in-person, noncontact visitation periods per week of at least 20 minutes duration each;

(A) Facilities exempt from in-person visitation shall be determined by the provisions set forth in Government Code §511.009(20)(a-1).

(B) The requirement of in-person visitation does not remove a sheriff's/operator's authority to limit visitation for disciplinary reasons as per 37 TAC §283.1.

(2) provide that at least one visitation period be allowed during evenings or weekends;

(3) provide for reasonable attorney/client visitation;

(4) provide procedures for the selection of visitors, including inmates' minor children. Accompaniment by parent, guardian, or legal counsel may be required. The sheriff/operator shall provide procedures regarding visitation by a guardian. The procedures shall include placement of a guardian, at the guardian's request, on the inmate's visitation list, and provide the guardian access to the inmate during regular visitation hours to an eligible inmate. A guardian's visit shall be in addition to normal visitation. The sheriff/operator shall require the guardian to provide the sheriff/operator with letters of guardianship as provided by §§1002.012, 1106.001 - 1106.003, Estates Code, before allowing visitation with the inmate;

(5) define procedures where contact visitation is permitted;

(6) contain procedures for emergency visitation.

Source Note: The provisions of this §291.4 adopted to be effective December 27, 1994, 19 TexReg 9880; amended to be effective May 3, 1995, 20 TexReg 2867; amended to be effective December 22, 2015, 40 TexReg 9305