Texas House Bill HB767

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that justice and municipal courts obtain evidence that certain minors are in compliance with mandatory school attendance requirements.

Impact

The implications of HB 767 are significant in the context of juvenile justice and education policy. By incorporating obligations for courts to verify school attendance compliance, the bill aims to address issues of truancy head-on. If a court finds a minor guilty, it can impose specific requirements that involve participating in programs beneficial for the child's well-being and community service. Furthermore, if a child aged 15 or older is found non-compliant, the court has the authority to suspend the child’s driver's license, tying educational responsibility directly to the privileges afforded to young drivers.

Summary

House Bill 767 introduces a mandate for justice and municipal courts to ensure that specific minors comply with compulsory school attendance requirements. This bill aims to amend Article 45.057 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by requiring that upon finding a minor guilty of certain offenses, the court must order the minor and their parent to prove compliance with attendance laws. This addition ostensibly seeks to improve educational outcomes and accountability among minors and their guardians.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to reinforce compulsory education requirements, it may raise concerns regarding the added responsibilities placed on parents and potential implications for minor’s rights. Critics may argue that connecting education compliance to judicial proceedings could lead to punitive measures that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly those already struggling with socio-economic challenges. Moreover, the provision for driver's license suspension may be contentious as it intertwines educational adherence with the mobility and independence granted by driving privileges, potentially leading to further issues in youth mobility and freedom.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of HB 767 will depend on its implementation and the resources allocated for its enforcement. Adequate support mechanisms and educational programs must be established to fulfill the court's orders effectively. Whether this bill leads to improved school attendance rates among minors will need to be monitored, as will the bill's overall impact on families involved in the juvenile justice system.