SRC-AXB H.B. 2947 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2947
By: Goodman (Harris)
Jurisprudence
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, a child can be committed to the Texas Youth Commission if the
child is adjudicated to have engaged in delinquent conduct. Delinquent
conduct is defined in Section 51.03, Family Code, as violation of a penal
law of this state or of the United States that is punishable by
imprisonment or confinement in jail, violation of certain orders of a
juvenile court, contempt of a municipal or justice court, or driving under
the influence of alcohol. H.B. 2947 creates provisions regarding the
disposition of children adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent
conduct. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2947 creates provisions regarding the disposition of
children adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct. 

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 (q), to set forth provisions regarding the violation
of a penal law of Texas or the United States of the grade of felony or
misdemeanor.  Authorizes the court to make a disposition for delinquent
conduct that violates a penal law of the grade of misdemeanor, under
certain conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 54, Family Code, by adding Section 54.0406, as
follows: 
 
Sec.  54.0406.  CHILD PLACED IN COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY AS CONDITION OF
PROBATION.  Authorizes the court to place a child in a certified juvenile
detention or correction facility for a certain term, at a certain time,
under certain conditions.  Prohibits the total amount of time a child is
placed in a detention facility from exceeding 30 days. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 54.05, Family Code, by amending Subsections (f)
and (g) and adding Subsection (j), to authorize the court to modify a
disposition that is based on a finding that a child engaged in delinquent
conduct that violates certain laws, under certain conditions.  Makes
conforming changes. 

SECTION 4.  Makes application of the change in law made by Section 54.0406,
Family Code, prospective. 

SECTION 5.  (a)  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.
  
 (b)  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 6.  Emergency clause.