TX
Texas House Bill HB4357

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4357

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of a justice or municipal court over certain juvenile offenders and their parents.

Impact

The changes proposed by HB 4357 will have a notable effect on the state's approach to juvenile justice. By equipping courts with more authority to mandate rehabilitation programs, the bill could potentially reduce recidivism among juvenile offenders. It also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in the rehabilitation process, suggesting that greater engagement with parents could lead to better outcomes for at-risk youths. Moreover, allowing community service and educational programs as consequences reflects a shift towards restorative practices rather than punitive measures alone.

Summary

House Bill 4357 aims to enhance the authority of justice and municipal courts regarding juvenile offenders and their parents. The bill introduces measures for courts to mandate specific rehabilitative actions for minors found to have violated state laws. This includes requirements for offenders to participate in various programs that could include alcohol or drug rehabilitation, counseling, job skills training, and community service. The goal is to address not only the behavior of the juvenile offenders but to also engage their parents in creating a pathway toward better choices and behavior changes for the youth.

Contention

There may be potential areas of contention regarding the enforcement of these new mandates. For instance, there could be concerns about the availability and accessibility of the proposed rehabilitation programs and classes for both juveniles and their parents. Critics may argue that imposing these requirements without adequate resources could lead to inequities in how youths are treated, particularly among varying socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the effectiveness of such programs, especially when it comes to long-term changes in behavior and attitudes of juvenile offenders and their families.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3186

Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.

TX SB1505

Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.

TX HB303

Relating to a justice or municipal court's authority to order a defendant confined in jail for failure to pay a fine or cost or for contempt and to the authority of a municipality to enforce the collection of certain fines by imprisonment of the defendant.

TX HB16

Relating to the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, certain juvenile court proceedings, and planning and funding for services for children in the juvenile justice system.

TX HB2627

Relating to the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, certain juvenile court proceedings, and planning and funding for services for children in the juvenile justice system.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB1819

Relating to the repeal of the authority of political subdivisions to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews.

TX SB603

Relating to the repeal of the authority of political subdivisions to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews.

TX SB2589

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of juveniles who commit certain felony offenses while committed to the custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the waiver of jurisdiction and discretionary transfer of a child from a juvenile court to a criminal court; changing eligibility for community supervision.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.