Bill > SB1727

This bill modifies Texas juvenile justice laws to make several significant changes in how juvenile offenders are treated, particularly those who commit serious offenses or violate probation conditions. The bill prohibits community supervision for felony offenses committed by juveniles who are at least 17 years old while in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities, halfway houses, or secure detention facilities. It reduces the number of previous felony adjudications required to classify a child as having "habitual felony conduct" from two to one, and expands the list of offenses that can be referred to a grand jury. The bill also provides new provisions for transferring juvenile offenders to adult criminal courts, allowing transfer as early as age 18 in certain circumstances, and establishes more detailed criteria for judges to consider when making such transfers. Additionally, the bill restricts the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's ability to release or discharge children who are under indictment or accused of committing a felony during their commitment. The changes aim to provide more stringent oversight and potentially harsher consequences for juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes or repeatedly violate probation conditions, while still maintaining some discretion for judges to consider individual circumstances.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1727