Texas House Bill HB824

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/25/09
• Voted on by House: 4/3/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09

Caption

Relating to the imposition of conditions on and access to case records regarding a child adjudicated of having engaged in conduct that constitutes the commission of a hate crime.

Impact

The implications of HB 824 are far-reaching, as it shapes the way juvenile offenses are treated in the legal system. For children found to have committed offenses with hate-based motivations, the court is granted the authority to impose conditions that may include mandatory participation in educational programs aimed at fostering acceptance and understanding of diverse communities. Additionally, the court can mandate psychological counseling and community service projects focused on benefiting the affected groups. This approach seeks to address not just the legal repercussions of hate crimes but also the underlying attitudes that lead to such behavior.

Summary

House Bill 824 aims to amend certain provisions relating to juvenile conduct that constitutes a hate crime. The bill specifies that if a child is adjudicated for conduct that is determined to be a hate crime, the court must make an affirmative finding in the judgment. This legal framing places a significant emphasis on the intent behind the offense, requiring that the juvenile must have selected their victim or the affected property due to bias or prejudice based on race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding its potential effectiveness in preventing future hate crimes among youth. Proponents argue that these educational and rehabilitative measures are crucial for fostering empathy and reducing recidivism, while critics may point to concerns about the adequacy of such programs in truly addressing deep-seated biases. Furthermore, there are discussions about whether this law might impose further stigmatization on minor offenders, complicating their reintegration into society after interaction with the legal system.