Texas House Bill HB3442

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 4/14/11

Caption

Relating to authorizing certain courts to access information in the juvenile justice information system.

Impact

The passage of HB3442 would represent a significant shift in how juvenile justice information is handled by courts. The bill aims to enhance judicial access to information that could be crucial in making informed decisions regarding juvenile offenders. By allowing courts broader access to this data, the intent is to ensure that judges can consider comprehensive background information which could influence sentencing, rehabilitation options, or placement decisions, ultimately promoting more tailored approaches to juvenile justice.

Summary

House Bill 3442 seeks to amend the Family Code regarding the access to the juvenile justice information system. This bill specifically authorizes certain courts, namely county, justice, or municipal courts exercising jurisdiction over a juvenile, to access otherwise confidential information contained within the juvenile justice information system. Previously, this information was restricted, primarily for the protection of juvenile offenders and the integrity of sensitive data held by the juvenile justice department.

Contention

However, the bill has the potential to raise concerns regarding the privacy of juvenile offenders. Critics might argue that this increased access could lead to misuse of information or breach of confidentiality standards that are currently in place to protect vulnerable youth. While proponents may emphasize the importance of judicial access to information for better decision-making, opponents may highlight the risks associated with undermining confidentiality in juvenile proceedings. Balancing these interests will be crucial in discussions surrounding the bill.