The bill amends various sections of Texas law regarding the age at which a child may be subject to juvenile court jurisdiction and the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Specifically, it raises the minimum age from 10 to 12 years for a child to be considered under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts for certain offenses. The definition of "child" is updated across multiple codes, including the Code of Criminal Procedure, Education Code, and Family Code, to reflect this change. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for children younger than 12, requiring their release from custody unless they pose an immediate threat to public safety or their own safety.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a jurisdictional hearing process for children under 12 years of age, allowing the court to determine whether to retain jurisdiction based on factors such as probable cause and the adequacy of parental or community interventions. It also includes amendments to the Penal Code, reinforcing that individuals under 12 cannot be prosecuted for certain offenses. The bill repeals several existing provisions and clarifies that the changes will apply only to offenses committed or conduct occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.141, Family Code 51.02, Family Code 52.02, Family Code 53.01, Family Code 53.011, Penal Code 8.07 (Family Code 51, Family Code 52, Education Code 37, Penal Code 8, Family Code 53)