H.B. No. 1511 aims to enhance the authority of political subdivisions in Texas to adopt and enforce juvenile curfews, establishing specific procedures for handling violations. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to include new provisions regarding the custody of children under 17 years of age for curfew violations, specifically introducing Article 45A.4555. This article outlines the responsibilities of peace officers when taking a child into custody, including options for release to a guardian or taking the child to a designated curfew processing office. The bill also specifies the requirements for such offices, ensuring they are not secure detention areas and that children are not held for extended periods.

Additionally, the bill grants general-law municipalities the authority to adopt juvenile curfew ordinances similar to those of counties, while also establishing penalties for violations as Class C misdemeanors. It mandates a review process for curfew ordinances every three years to assess their impact on the community. The bill repeals previous provisions related to juvenile curfews and clarifies that the new regulations will apply only to offenses committed after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 51.02, Government Code 38.003, Penal Code 8.07 (Government Code 38, Penal Code 8, Family Code 51)