House Bill No. 2069 amends the Health and Safety Code to enhance the rights of parents and guardians during the emergency detention of children by peace officers. The bill introduces a new section that grants parents, guardians, or conservators the right to take custody of a child being placed under emergency detention and allows them to voluntarily seek treatment or services for the child. Additionally, it mandates that peace officers must attempt to contact the child's parent or guardian before placing the child under emergency detention and document these attempts in the emergency detention form.

Furthermore, the bill establishes restrictions on the use of restraint devices for children aged 10 years or younger during emergency detentions. Peace officers are prohibited from using handcuffs or similar devices unless they believe the child poses an imminent risk of harm. If such restraints are used, the officer must provide a statement detailing the circumstances that justified their use in the emergency detention form. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to emergency detentions occurring after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 573.001 (Health and Safety Code 573)