Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1727

Filed

2/27/25

Out of Senate Committee

4/10/25

Voted on by Senate

4/24/25

Out of House Committee

5/9/25

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to procedures related to juvenile justice proceedings, the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, and certain offenses or conduct committed by a child or by a person placed in or committed to certain juvenile facilities; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

Impact

If enacted, SB1727 will likely lead to more stringent measures against juveniles who commit serious offenses while under the care of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. By prohibiting community supervision for particular felony offenses committed in certain settings, the bill emphasizes accountability and aims to reduce recidivism amongst youth offenders. Furthermore, it seeks to facilitate better use of rehabilitation resources by clearly delineating the circumstances that warrant transfers to adult court systems when necessary.

Summary

SB1727 is a significant piece of legislation aimed at revising procedures related to juvenile justice proceedings in Texas. The bill focuses on the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct by children, particularly those committed to juvenile facilities. One of the key provisions of the bill is to change eligibility requirements for community supervision, restricting options for certain offenses committed by youth who are in specified juvenile facilities. The proposed changes are intended to make the juvenile justice system more effective in managing cases of severe delinquent behavior, especially among older minors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1727 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards refining the juvenile justice process by ensuring that serious offenders are dealt with appropriately and that the system does not continue to fail in protecting communities from repeated offenses by same individuals. Conversely, critics raise concerns that this approach could exacerbate the issues of youth incarceration and fail to provide adequate rehabilitation pathways for minors, particularly those who may commit non-violent offenses under the pressure of their circumstances.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding SB1727 includes the potential implications of restricting community supervision eligibility. Advocates of the bill argue that it is essential for maintaining public safety and ensuring that justice is served correctly for serious delinquent conduct. However, opponents argue that such restrictions could disproportionately affect marginalized youth, limiting their chances for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This polarization has sparked debate over the balance between accountability and mercy in the juvenile justice system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
- Section: New Section
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Family Code

Chapter 51. General Provisions
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section

Chapter 54. Judicial Proceedings
- Section: New Section
- Section: 05
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: 05
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: 05

Chapter 53. Proceedings Prior To Judicial Proceedings
- Section: 045
- Section: 04
- Section: 045
- Section: 045
- Section: 04
- Section: 045
- Section: 045
- Section: 04
- Section: 045

Chapter 42. Civil Liability For Interference With Possessory Interest In Child
- Section: New Section

Chapter 1. General Provisions
- Section: New Section

Government Code

Chapter 41. General Provisions
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: 302
- Section: New Section
- Section: 302
- Section: 302
- Section: New Section
- Section: 302
- Section: 302
- Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

Chapter 244. Care And Treatment Of Children
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section
- Section: New Section

Chapter 245. Release
- Section: 102
- Section: 151
- Section: 051
- Section: 101
- Section: 051
- Section: 101
- Section: New Section
- Section: 051
- Section: 101
- Section: 051
- Section: 051
- Section: 101
- Section: 051
- Section: 101
- Section: 102

Penal Code

Chapter 38. Obstructing Governmental Operation
- Section: 112
- Section: 112
- Section: 112
- Section: 112
- Section: 112
- Section: 112

Companion Bills

TX HB3360

Identical Relating to the protection and detention of a juvenile who engages in delinquent conduct or commits a felony offense while committed to the custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department; changing the eligibility for community supervision; redefining habitual felony conduct.

Previously Filed As

TX HB16

Relating to the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, certain juvenile court proceedings, and planning and funding for services for children in the juvenile justice system.

TX HB2627

TX SB2589

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of juveniles who commit certain felony offenses while committed to the custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the waiver of jurisdiction and discretionary transfer of a child from a juvenile court to a criminal court; changing eligibility for community supervision.

TX HB1629

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of certain burglary offenses.

TX HB1654

Relating to the eligibility of a child for a determinate sentence for engaging in delinquent conduct that constitutes certain organized criminal activity.

TX SB324

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB93

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB2742

Relating to increasing criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances; changing the eligibility for community supervision, deferred adjudication community supervision, or mandatory supervision.