Bill > SB661

This bill creates the Office of Youth Health and Safety within the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Forensic Coordination, establishing a 21-member Board to oversee juvenile justice reform. The office's primary goals are to promote trauma-responsive, culturally informed services for children involved in the juvenile justice system and help them successfully transition to adulthood. The board will include government officials, experts, advocates, and two formerly detained youth, with members serving staggered six-year terms. By September 1, 2028, the office must develop a comprehensive plan to end commitments to juvenile secure correctional facilities, reduce the population of detained children, establish alternative local services and interventions, create secure placement options for high-risk youth, and eliminate racial and disability disparities in the juvenile justice system. The board must submit their detailed plan to state leadership by January 1, 2027, with the ultimate aim of transforming how Texas handles youth who engage in delinquent conduct. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, with initial board members appointed within 60 days of the effective date and serving initial terms expiring in 2027, 2029, and 2031.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB661