The bill amends the Family Code and Human Resources Code to establish specific timelines and responsibilities for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) regarding the custody of individuals committed to its care. Under the new provisions, if a judge orders a commitment to the TJJD, the department must accept custody of the individual within 30 days of the judge signing the disposition order. If the TJJD fails to do so, it is required to compensate the county for the costs incurred for each day the individual remains detained in a county facility beyond this 30-day period.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows the TJJD to credit time served in a pre-adjudication secure detention facility towards the minimum length of stay for the child once they are committed to the department, starting from the 31st day after the commitment. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that juveniles are not held unnecessarily in county facilities while awaiting transfer to the TJJD. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 54.04, Human Resources Code 243.002 (Human Resources Code 243, Family Code 54)
House Committee Report: Family Code 54.04, Human Resources Code 243.002 (Human Resources Code 243, Family Code 54)
Engrossed: Family Code 54.04, Human Resources Code 243.002 (Human Resources Code 243, Family Code 54)