The bill amends Section 222.054 of the Human Resources Code to establish new eligibility criteria for individuals seeking certification as juvenile officers or employees of juvenile facilities. It introduces a new subsection (a-1) that 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. The bill allows the department to designate such individuals as permanently ineligible for certification if they have engaged in conduct that violates the chapter or department rules, or if a panel determines their certification would pose a threat to juveniles in the justice system.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for determining an individual's eligibility for certification, including the convening of a panel of board members to assess potential threats posed by the individual. If the panel finds that the individual's continued eligibility threatens juveniles, 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 before the State Office of Administrative Hearings if they are proposed to be permanently designated as ineligible for certification. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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