The House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

88th Legislature

August 26, 2024

9:30 a.m.

E2.014

Pursuant to a notice posted on August 21, 2024, the House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Dutton, Harold, at 9:41 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Dutton, Harold; Lujan; Lopez, Janie; Smithee; and Talarico.

A quorum was present.

The Chair and Rep. Smithee  made opening remarks.

A moment of silence was taken.

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following interim charges:

Interim Charge 2:

Examine the Texas Family Code definition of “best interest of the child” used in determining issues of conservatorship of and access to a child; determine whether policy changes can better protect the rights and interests of children and parent.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Wu now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Cook now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Interim Charge 1:

Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88^th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation.

Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD)

Office of Inspector General

Office of the Independent Ombusdman

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Lujan in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Dutton, Harold in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Interim Charge 3:

Evaluate the system for adjudicating and disposing of cases involving delinquent conduct and determine whether changes to juvenile court proceedings and improvements to the planning and funding for services to keep children in the juvenile system closer to home will lead to better overall outcomes for youth and public safety.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 1:58 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Dutton, Harold, Chair

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Nicole R. Bates, Clerk