Texas House Bill HB3664

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the time certain licensed child-care facilities may detain unaccompanied children.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3664 would amend the Human Resources Code by adding a new provision aimed at limiting the detention of unaccompanied children. This change is significant as it seeks to align state laws with humane standards regarding the treatment of minors, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement. By imposing a cap on the duration of detention, the bill serves to prevent unnecessarily prolonged confinement of children, ensuring that they are released to family members or guardians in a more timely manner. This step is seen as part of broader reform efforts to protect the welfare of unaccompanied minors in Texas and beyond.

Summary

House Bill 3664 aims to establish regulations regarding the maximum duration that licensed child-care facilities, especially those contracted with federal agencies like the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement, can detain unaccompanied children. Specifically, the bill stipulates that such facilities cannot detain children who are unaccompanied for more than 20 days. This piece of legislation was introduced in response to concerns about the treatment and rights of children within the immigration system, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need to protect vulnerable populations.

Contention

The bill has garnered attention and sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that establishing a limit on detention is a necessary measure to ensure the rights and wellbeing of children are prioritized during immigration proceedings. However, opponents may voice concerns about the implications for immigration enforcement, suggesting that such measures could complicate efforts to manage unaccompanied minors within the system. Discussions surrounding the bill reflect wider societal debates on immigration policy and the balance between security measures and human rights protections.