House Substitute for SB 420 by Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice - Allowing juvenile offenders in the custody of the secretary of corrections to leave the juvenile correctional facility for certain programming and educational opportunities when approved by the secretary.
Impact
The implementation of SB420 is expected to impact state laws regarding the treatment of juvenile offenders significantly. By enabling the Secretary of Corrections to establish programs that allow juvenile offenders to participate actively in educational opportunities, the bill modifies existing protocols related to the management and operation of juvenile correctional institutions. This is framed within the broader context of juvenile justice reform, which seeks to balance correctional oversight with rehabilitative support.
Summary
SB420 is an act concerning juvenile offenders that authorizes the Secretary of Corrections to permit juveniles in custody to leave their correctional facilities for approved programming and educational opportunities. The bill aims to facilitate the rehabilitation of young offenders by allowing them access to educational and vocational programs that are unavailable within the confines of correctional facilities. This is intended to promote better outcomes and support successful reintegration into society following their release.
Sentiment
General sentiment about SB420 has been supportive among lawmakers and advocacy groups focused on juvenile rehabilitation. Proponents argue that the bill addresses the need for constructive programming that can aid in the development of positive life skills for juveniles, thereby reducing recidivism rates. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of oversight and safety measures necessary to ensure that these programs do not compromise institutional security or lead to potential misuse of privileges by the offenders.
Contention
The primary contention surrounding SB420 relates to the balance between rehabilitation and the safety of the community and correctional facilities. While advocates emphasize the potential benefits of educational and work release programs, critics caution that such systems require stringent oversight to mitigate risks associated with juvenile escapes or disturbances. The bill's call for creating educational and work release programs outside of institutional frameworks raises important questions about accountability and the effectiveness of reintegrative measures.
Allowing juvenile offenders in the custody of the secretary of corrections to leave the juvenile correctional facility for certain programming and educational opportunities when approved by the secretary.
Requiring the secretary for children and families to assess certain children and the secretary of corrections to provide certain services to juveniles in detention, changing the criteria used to refer and admit juveniles to a juvenile crisis intervention center, allowing evidence-based program account money to be used on certain children, requiring the department of corrections to build data systems and allowing for overall case length limit extensions for certain juvenile offenders.
Prohibiting the use of any prone restraint on a juvenile who is in custody at a juvenile detention facility or juvenile correctional facility or being assessed as part of the juvenile intake and assessment system.
Prohibiting the use of any prone restraint on a juvenile who is in custody at a juvenile detention facility or juvenile correctional facility or being assessed as part of the juvenile intake and assessment system.
Prohibiting the use of any prone restraint on a juvenile who is in custody at a juvenile detention facility or juvenile correctional facility or being assessed as part of the juvenile intake and assessment system.
Relating to the commitment of juveniles in post-adjudication secure correctional facilities operated by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and by local probation departments.
Renaming the joint committee on corrections and juvenile justice oversight in honor of Representative J. Russell (Russ) Jennings and requiring the committee to monitor the implementation of juvenile justice reforms.
Relating to the commitment of certain juveniles to post-adjudication secure correctional facilities in certain counties and to the release under supervision of those juveniles.
Relating to the commitment of certain juveniles to local post-adjudication secure correctional facilities in certain counties and to the release under supervision of those juveniles.
Relating to the commitment of certain juveniles to local post-adjudication secure correctional facilities in certain counties and to the release under supervision of those juveniles.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Requires degree-granting proprietary institutions to expend at least 70 percent of tuition and fee revenues on educational instruction and student support services.
Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.
Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.
Authorizes the Department of Revenue to establish and use an electronic financial institution data match system for purposes of tax collection administration and enforcement
Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.