80R7011 SLO-D

By: Van de Putte S.B. No. 1289

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study of alternatives to the juvenile justice system for children who engage in acts of prostitution.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 141, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 141.055 to read as follows:

Sec. 141.055. STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES TO JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN WHO ENGAGE IN ACTS OF PROSTITUTION. (a) The director shall establish a committee to evaluate alternatives to the juvenile justice system, such as government programs, faith-based programs, and programs offered by nonprofit organizations, for children who are accused of engaging in acts of prostitution.

(b) The director shall determine the size of the committee. The committee must be composed of:

(1) members of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, the Texas Youth Commission, and other relevant state agencies as determined by the director;

(2) members of the legislature; and

(3) other juvenile justice experts.

(c) Not later than January 1, 2009, the committee shall prepare and deliver to each member of the legislature a report that includes the results of the study and recommendations for alternatives to the juvenile justice system for children who are accused of engaging in acts of prostitution.

(d) This section expires June 1, 2009.

SECTION 2. Not later than October 1, 2007, the director of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission shall establish a committee to evaluate alternatives to the juvenile justice system for children who are accused of engaging in acts of prostitution, as required by Section 141.055, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.