H.B. No. 4885 amends the Family Code to facilitate the disclosure of confidential juvenile records to managed assigned counsel programs. The bill introduces a new definition for "managed assigned counsel program" and specifies that such programs are responsible for appointing attorneys to represent children in juvenile proceedings. The amendments to Section 58.004(b) expand the list of entities that can access juvenile records, including those shared with managed assigned counsel programs for the purpose of determining indigence and overseeing appointed counsel once a request for representation is made.

Additionally, the bill modifies Sections 58.005 and 58.007 to include managed assigned counsel programs among the entities authorized to inspect or copy juvenile court records. This change aims to ensure that appointed counsel can effectively represent children in delinquency proceedings. The provisions of the bill apply to records created before, on, or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 51.02, Family Code 58.004, Family Code 58.007 (Family Code 51, Family Code 58)
House Committee Report: Family Code 51.02, Family Code 58.004, Family Code 58.007 (Family Code 51, Family Code 58)
Engrossed: Family Code 51.02, Family Code 58.004, Family Code 58.007 (Family Code 51, Family Code 58)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 51.02, Family Code 58.004, Family Code 58.007 (Family Code 51, Family Code 58)