Bill Text: TX HB679 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Comm Sub


Bill Title: Relating to prohibiting the use of a mechanical or physical restraint on a child during a judicial proceeding in the juvenile court.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-05-10 - Placed on General State Calendar [HB679 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-HB679-Comm_Sub.html
  85R1644 LHC-F
 
  By: Wu, et al. H.B. No. 679
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to prohibiting the use of a mechanical or physical
  restraint on a child during a judicial proceeding in the juvenile
  court.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 54, Family Code, is amended by adding
  Section 54.12 to read as follows:
         Sec. 54.12.  USE OF RESTRAINTS. (a) A mechanical or
  physical restraint may not be used on a child during a judicial
  proceeding and any restraint must be removed before the child's
  appearance before the court unless the court finds that:
               (1)  the use of a mechanical or physical restraint is
  necessary:
                     (A)  to prevent physical injury to the child or
  another; or
                     (B)  because the child has a history of disruptive
  courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful
  situations; and
               (2)  the mechanical or physical restraint used is the
  least restrictive restraint effective to prevent physical injury to
  the child or another or the child's escape.
         (b)  The court shall provide the child's attorney an
  opportunity to be heard before the court may order the use of a
  mechanical or physical restraint. If the use of a restraint is
  ordered, the court shall make findings of fact in support of the
  order.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
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