Texas Senate Bill SB1333

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the secure confinement of certain children.

Impact

The impact of SB1333 extends to various statutes under the Family Code that address juvenile confinement. It seeks to ensure compliance with short-term detention standards while also aiming to prevent the unnecessary placement of juveniles in secure correctional facilities for non-criminal actions. Such adjustments are anticipated to streamline procedures relating to juvenile detention and potentially reduce the number of children placed in harsher correctional environments for behaviors that are not classified as crimes for adults.

Summary

SB1333 is a legislative bill focused on the secure confinement of certain children, particularly addressing the conditions under which a child aged 14 or older may be detained in secure facilities. The bill amends existing provisions in the Family Code, specifically those related to juvenile detention. A central aspect of the amendments ensures that if a certified juvenile detention facility is not available, a child may still be held in a secure detention facility, provided other compliance and safety standards are met. This adjustment aims to facilitate better management and detention of juveniles when local resources are unavailable.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include discussions on the appropriateness of detaining status offenders in secure facilities, particularly for behaviors that would not constitute a crime if committed by adults. Critics express concerns that such placements could lead to negative outcomes for youth who might benefit more from alternative interventions rather than confinement. The bill's provisions introduce stringent rules around the detention of children under 14 and outline circumstances under which status offenders can be placed in secure settings, leading to ongoing debates about the efficacy and morality of such practices in juvenile justice.