SRC-SLL S.B. 687 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 687
By: Shapiro
Criminal Justice
4-4-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, courts are not required to place certain juveniles who
unlawfully possess a weapon or use a weapon in conduct that constitutes an
offense in a juvenile detention facility.  Juveniles are involved in crime
with increasing frequency.  One alarming trend is the increased frequency
of juveniles found to be carrying firearms.  This bill will require a
court to order certain juveniles who unlawfully possess or use a weapon in
conduct constituting an offense to be placed in a juvenile detention
facility for 90 days. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 687 requires a court to order certain juveniles who
unlawfully possess or use a weapon in conduct constituting an offense to
be placed in a juvenile detention facility for 90 days. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.04, Family Code, by amending Subsection (d)
and adding Subsection (p), to require the court to order a child to be
confined for 90 days to a juvenile detention facility designated by the
court, if the child is adjudicated to have engaged in conduct described by
Chapter 46, Penal Code, or if at the adjudication hearing the court or
jury affirmatively finds that the child engaged in certain delinquent
conduct.  Provides that this subsection does not apply to a child whose
disposition is made under Subsection (d)(1)(C), (d)(2), (d)(3), or (m).
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.