TITLE: Relating to the construction of small occupancy facilities by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

SUMMARY: Relating to the construction of small occupancy facilities by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the construction of small occupancy facilities by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 242, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 242.0525 to read as follows: Sec. 242.0525. SMALL OCCUPANCY FACILITIES. (a) The department shall construct small occupancy facilities with the purpose of gradually closing and replacing the large, remote secure facilities operated by the department. In constructing the small occupancy facilities, the department shall ensure that each small occupancy facility: (1) provides a therapeutic and rehabilitative setting; (2) provides housing for not more than 40 children; and (3) is constructed in conjunction with the regionalization plan described by Section 203.017. (b) Not later than July 1, 2020, the department shall complete the construction of five small occupancy facilities. Not later than July 1, 2021, the department shall complete the construction of five additional small occupancy facilities. (c) After the completion of construction of each small occupancy facility, the department, in coordination with the office of inspector general, shall move children who are committed to the large, remote secure facilities operated by the department into the small occupancy facility. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.