Texas House Bill HB1962

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/1/11
• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11

Caption

Relating to the programs that a justice or municipal court may require a juvenile offender to attend and to the payment of related program costs.

Impact

The legislation will affect state laws by altering the jurisdiction and authority of justice and municipal courts over juvenile cases. By formalizing the requirements for program attendance, HB1962 enhances the court's ability to enforce rehabilitative measures rather than punitive consequences. Additionally, the cap on costs for each program at $250 is intended to provide a framework for financial responsibility, ensuring that while the state offers opportunities for rehabilitation, parents or guardians also have a stake in the process. This could lead to a shift in how juvenile offenses are approached, moving towards preventive measures rather than mere legal consequences.

Summary

House Bill 1962 proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the programs mandated for juvenile offenders by justice or municipal courts. The bill facilitates a more structured approach towards handling juvenile offenses by allowing courts to require participation in specialized programs that are deemed beneficial for the youth. These programs include a variety of rehabilitative initiatives such as counseling, tutoring, and job skills training, which aim to enhance the children's skills and manage their behavior responsibly. A significant provision of the bill includes the possibility of imposing costs on the parents for these mandated programs, helping to recover expenses incurred by local governments in providing these services.

Contention

While the shift towards rehabilitation is generally viewed positively, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for families. Critics could argue that imposing costs on parents places an additional burden on them, which might disproportionately affect low-income families, raising questions about equity in the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, there might be debates around which specific programs are deemed appropriate and how these programs are monitored and evaluated for their effectiveness. The bill's progression will likely depend on addressing these concerns during discussions and potential amendments.