The bill, S.B. No. 1437, amends the Human Resources Code to clarify the eligibility criteria for certification as juvenile officers or employees of juvenile facilities. It introduces a new subsection (a-1) that applies to individuals who are or were employed by, under contract with, or volunteering for the department, juvenile probation departments, or registered juvenile facilities, regardless of their certification status. The bill 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, or if a panel determines their certification would threaten juveniles in the justice system.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for determining an individual's continued eligibility for certification, including the convening of a panel to assess potential threats to juveniles. If the panel finds that an individual's eligibility poses a threat, the department can temporarily designate them as ineligible until an administrative hearing is conducted. The bill also ensures that individuals have the right to a hearing if they are proposed to be permanently designated as ineligible for certification. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 222.054 (Human Resources Code 222)