Texas House Bill HB2591

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/7/25

Caption

Relating to the operation of a juvenile justice alternative education program.

Impact

The bill directly influences how expelled students are managed and educated in larger counties. Under HB2591, expelled students will be required to attend juvenile justice alternative education programs pending their case disposition. The legislation introduces new conditions for releasing students based on disciplinary actions, ensuring continued educational provisions despite their expulsion. By mandating these attendance requirements, the bill emphasizes a focus on rehabilitation and educational continuity for youths involved in juvenile justice.

Summary

House Bill 2591 aims to establish and regulate juvenile justice alternative education programs specifically within counties having a population greater than 125,000. The bill modifies existing provisions in the Family Code and Education Code, detailing how these programs should operate and specifying the responsibilities of educational institutions and juvenile boards in maintaining them. A joint memorandum of understanding is required between each school district and the county juvenile board, mandated to be signed before each school year begins. This approach looks to streamline cooperation between educational institutions and juvenile justice systems in terms of handling expelled students.

Contention

Discussions around HB2591 may raise points regarding potential issues with funding and resource allocation for these educational programs, given that requirements imposed could lead to an increase in demand for educational support within the juvenile system. Further, there might be concerns related to how effectively these programs can ensure that expelled students receive adequate education while also dealing with the complexities of their legal situations. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the necessity of such regulations and their overall effectiveness in improving outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 25. Admission, Transfer, And Attendance
  • Section: 086

• Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
  • Section: New Section

Family Code

• Chapter 52. Proceedings Before And Including Referral To Court
  • Section: 04