S.B. No. 1924 aims to enhance the enforcement of criminal offenses occurring on school property while ensuring the protection of minors involved in such cases. The bill amends Article 45A.453(h) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow law enforcement officers to issue citations for certain offenses instead of taking children into custody. It introduces new provisions that establish confidentiality for records related to school offenses involving minors, ensuring that such information is not publicly disclosed and that court proceedings remain closed to the public for cases involving children aged 15 or younger. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts seal records of convictions or complaints related to school offenses upon final judgment.

The legislation also outlines requirements for students convicted of school offenses, stipulating that they must complete community service and pay any fines before graduating high school. It restricts the circumstances under which a child can be arrested on school property, emphasizing the need for immediate threats to safety. Furthermore, the bill requires school districts to report the number of citations issued to students, disaggregated by various demographic factors, to promote transparency and accountability. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.143, Education Code 52.01, Education Code 37.145 (Education Code 37, Education Code 52)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 28.025, Education Code 37.143, Education Code 52.01, Education Code 37.145 (Education Code 28, Education Code 37, Education Code 52)
Engrossed: Education Code 28.025, Education Code 37.143, Education Code 52.01, Education Code 37.145 (Education Code 28, Education Code 37, Education Code 52)