The Youth Parole Reform Act aims to establish new parole guidelines and procedures specifically for inmates who committed offenses before the age of 18. The bill introduces Sections 508.1441 and 508.1442 to the Government Code, which mandate the Board of Pardons and Paroles, in consultation with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, to develop tailored parole guidelines that prioritize rehabilitation, educational attainment, mental health treatment, and reintegration support for these young offenders. The procedures must require parole panels to consider various factors, including the inmate's age at the time of the offense, their rehabilitation progress, and input from relevant professionals and family members. Additionally, the board is tasked with submitting an annual report detailing the number of inmates considered for parole, their success rates, and recommendations for improving the guidelines.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need for parole panels to assess the growth and maturity of inmates who were under 18 at the time of their offenses, taking into account their diminished culpability and capacity for change compared to adults. It also requires the board to adopt a policy that allows for the consideration of mitigating factors related to the inmate's age and permits statements from individuals familiar with the inmate's development. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is required to provide training on best practices for parole consideration, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles must implement the new guidelines by September 1, 2026, with a provision to reconsider previously denied inmates under the new framework. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()