z 4y WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. GOVERNOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 May 7, 1982 Mr. Ruben Torres, Chairman Mrs. Connie Jackson, Board Member Dr. George Killinger, Board Member Board of Pardons and Paroles P. 0. Box 13401 Austin, Texas 78711 Dear Chairman and Board Members: The number of inmates entering the Texas Department of Corrections has been larger than they or anyone anticipated. This unanticipated increase has filled our prisons to the extent that if any more inmates are accepted by them, they could be in violation of the Court's order in tYe Ruiz v. Estelle case. I also understand that there are no temporary means, such as emergency housing, that could reasonably alleviate this problem. I further understand that you may release inmates to mandatory supervision up to ix months prior to their minimum sentence expiration date, 'hut you have not been releasing inmates prior to thirty days before this date. In view of the circumstances, I suggest that you consider exercising the authority granted you by law to immediately release to mandatory supervision all qualifying in- mates who are within six months of their sentence expiration date and who, in your judgment, are not violent offenders and the like who would constitute an undue risk to society. Your immediate examination of this issue is required. If you decide to alter your present procedures, immediate action to implement this change is essential. Yours truly, dv William P. Clements, Governor WPCJr:srh