Texas Senate Bill SB1848

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/4/25

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of confidential juvenile records to a managed assigned counsel program.

Impact

If enacted, SB1848 will enhance the Legal framework surrounding juvenile justice in Texas by enabling greater access to confidential records for attorneys representing minors. This change could lead to improved legal outcomes for children in the juvenile justice system, as attorneys will be better informed regarding the details of each case. The modifications made by this bill will apply to records created before and after the effective date, ensuring ongoing relevance and impact with a planned implementation date of September 1, 2025. This could signify a shift towards more robust legal support for juveniles in Texas.

Summary

SB1848 aims to amend several sections of the Family Code related to the disclosure of confidential juvenile records to managed assigned counsel programs. The bill redefines terms and expands the list of individuals and entities authorized to access juvenile court records. This expansion is particularly significant for managed assigned counsel programs that have the responsibility to appoint legal representation for children in juvenile proceedings. The goal is to ensure that these programs can effectively fulfill their duties by gaining access to necessary information regarding the cases they handle.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB1848 may include debates on privacy concerns and the balance of access to justice versus the confidentiality of juvenile records. Supporters of the bill argue that enabling managed assigned counsel programs to access these records can lead to better legal representation, while opponents may raise issues about potential misuse of sensitive information. The bill addresses these concerns by outlining specific circumstances under which information can be shared, aiming to safeguard the interests of minors while allowing attorneys to effectively advocate on their behalf.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 51. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 58. Records; Juvenile Justice Information System
  • Section: New Section