Smith v. Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division

OPINION

Opinion by

Chief Justice CORNELIUS.

Jerence Smith appeals from the dismissal of his suit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice — Institutional Division (TDCJ). Smith, an inmate, alleged that TDCJ lost his personal property and replaced it with items that were “either worn out, broken, or out of date and stale,” in violation of TDCJ policy. 1 Smith attached to his petition an affidavit of indigence, an affidavit documenting his compliance with TDCJ grievance procedures, and an affidavit asserting that he had filed no previous lawsuits in Texas or federal courts. The trial court…