The bill, H.B. No. 4923, aims to amend various provisions related to status offenses committed by children, specifically repealing the status offense of a child voluntarily running away from home. Key amendments include redefining "status offender" and "status offense" in the Family Code, clarifying that a status offense is conduct that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult. The bill also introduces new language regarding the detention of children accused only of status offenses, ensuring they are not held in secure facilities and limiting their detention time.

Additionally, the bill makes several specific amendments to existing laws, such as updating the criteria for expunging records related to status offenses and modifying definitions related to missing children. It repeals certain sections of the Family Code that pertain to conduct indicating a need for supervision, thereby streamlining the legal framework surrounding juvenile offenses. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 33.051, Family Code 51.03, Family Code 51.12, Family Code 51.13, Family Code 52.02, Family Code 54.011, Family Code 54.04, Family Code 54.0404, Family Code 37.218, The following provisions of the Family Code 54.02 (Family Code 51, Family Code 37, Education Code 33, Family Code 52, The following provisions of the Family Code 54, Family Code 54)