By: Whitmire S.B. No. 2190
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the confinement of juveniles in certain facilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 203.018, Human Resources Code, is
amended as follows:
(a) The department shall develop specialized programs for
children with a determinate sentence and children committed under
Section 54.04013, Family Code. The programs must ensure safety and
security for committed children and provide developmentally
appropriate program strategies.
(b) The department shall establish performance-based goals
related to improved outcomes that:
(1) must include measures to reduce recidivism; and
(2) shall include other well-being outcome measures.
(c) The department shall use case review strategies to
identify children in department facilities who can safely and
appropriately be transferred to alternative local placements or
halfway houses, placed on parole, or discharged from the
department.
(d) The department shall study and report to the board on
the potential for repurposing existing secure facilities for the
confinement of children with a determinate sentence or children
committed under Section 54.04013, Family Code, or for other
purposes.
(e) The department or any local probation department may not
use or contract with a facility that was constructed or previously
used for the confinement of adult offenders.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.