The bill amends various sections of the Texas Family Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to improve the juvenile justice system's management of children in juvenile facilities. It introduces provisions that prohibit community supervision for certain felony offenses committed by individuals aged 17 or older while in these facilities. Additionally, it defines "mitigating evidence" to encompass factors that lessen a child's culpability, taking into account their growth and maturity. The bill also establishes regulations against the use of chemical dispensing devices on pregnant children in juvenile facilities and mandates annual audits of use-of-force incidents to ensure adherence to de-escalation protocols.

Moreover, the bill modifies the procedures for transferring juvenile cases to criminal court, emphasizing the necessity of thorough investigations and the presumption that retaining jurisdiction in juvenile court is in the child's best interest. It requires juvenile courts to provide specific reasons for waiving jurisdiction and to document instances of solitary confinement, ensuring such measures are only employed when absolutely necessary and in line with trauma-informed care principles. The bill also introduces the term "serious felony conduct," allowing courts to commit juveniles found guilty of serious felonies to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department without a determinate sentence if they have special needs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the treatment of juveniles in the justice system while ensuring accountability and oversight in juvenile facilities, with an effective date of September 1, 2025, for conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 51.02, Family Code 54.02, Family Code 54.04, Family Code 54.04013, Family Code 54.05 (Family Code 51, Family Code 54)
House Committee Report: Family Code 51.02, Family Code 54.02, Family Code 54.04, Family Code 54.04013, Family Code 54.05, Family Code 54.051, Government Code 41.302, Penal Code 38.112 (Family Code 51, Penal Code 38, Family Code 54, Government Code 41)