Story perspectives

Texas Prisons Ban Hardback Books to Combat Drug Smuggling

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) will ban hardback and used books starting April 1, allowing only new softcover titles to curb drug smuggling in bindings.
Windham School District will manage donations of new softcover books, while TDCJ is developing an online portal to streamline the process.
Bobby Lumpkin, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Executive Director, emphasized changes are needed to ensure safety and support treatment.

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Story summary

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) will ban hardback and used books starting April 1, allowing only new softcover titles to curb drug smuggling in bindings.
Windham School District will manage donations of new softcover books, while TDCJ is developing an online portal to streamline the process.
Bobby Lumpkin, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Executive Director, emphasized changes are needed to ensure safety and support treatment.