The bill amends various sections of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Education Code, and Family Code to adjust the definitions and legal responsibilities regarding juveniles in the justice system. Notably, it raises the minimum age for a child to be subject to juvenile court jurisdiction from 10 to 13 years of age. Additionally, it establishes that a child under 13 years of age cannot be prosecuted for certain offenses, and it introduces a new provision allowing the juvenile court to waive its jurisdiction over children younger than 13, provided that a hearing is held to determine the appropriateness of such a waiver.

The bill also includes specific amendments to the definitions of "child" across different legal contexts, ensuring consistency in the age criteria. It repeals certain existing provisions that are no longer applicable under the new framework. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and require updates to training for law enforcement and juvenile justice personnel to align with the new legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.141, Family Code 51.02, Penal Code 8.07 (Education Code 37, Family Code 51, Penal Code 8)