By: Thompson of Harris H.B. No. 5195
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to education, programming, and services for certain
children awaiting criminal proceedings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 54, Family Code is amended by adding
Section 54.021 to read as follows:
Sec. 54.021. EDUCATION, PROGRAMMING, AND SERVICES FOR
CHILDREN AWAITING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. (a) A child who has been
transferred for criminal prosecution under Section 54.02 and
ordered detained in a juvenile facility pending proceedings in
adult court as provided by Section 51.12 and Section 152.0015 ,
Human Resources Code shall, to the extent practical, be afforded
education, programming, and services consistent with the minimum
standards adopted by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department for
placement of children in a juvenile facility.
(b) The facility administrator or designee shall:
(1) within 21 calendar days of placement, complete an
initial assessment to evaluate the needs of the child and develop a
written plan to ensure that the child has an opportunity to make
progress pending trial.
(2) in subsequent 90-day increments, prepare a
placement status report that documents:
(A) the education, programming, and services
provided to the child;
(B) behavioral compliance or incidents, if any;
(C) any measurable progress during the period of
placement; and
(D) any comments, observations, or
recommendations related the child's educational or rehabilitative
needs.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.