S.B. No. 1437 amends the Human Resources Code to clarify the eligibility criteria for certification as juvenile officers or employees of juvenile facilities. The bill introduces a new subsection (a-1) that specifies the section applies to individuals who do not hold certification and are or were employed by, contracted with, or volunteering for the department, a juvenile probation department, or a registered juvenile facility. It also allows the department to designate individuals as permanently ineligible for certification if they engage in conduct that violates the chapter or demonstrates unsuitability for certification, as determined by a panel of board members.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for temporarily designating an individual as ineligible for certification if their continued eligibility poses a threat to juveniles in the juvenile justice system. A hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings is mandated if the department proposes permanent ineligibility. The changes aim to enhance the safety and integrity of the juvenile justice system by ensuring that only suitable individuals are certified to work with juveniles. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 222.054 (Human Resources Code 222)
Senate Committee Report: Human Resources Code 222.054 (Human Resources Code 222)
Engrossed: Human Resources Code 222.054 (Human Resources Code 222)
House Committee Report: Human Resources Code 222.054 (Human Resources Code 222)
Enrolled: Human Resources Code 222.054 (Human Resources Code 222)