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SB 2304

Relating to the age at which a juvenile court may exercise jurisdiction over a child and to the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

89th Legislature (2025)

SB 2304 adjusts the minimum age for juvenile court jurisdiction in Texas, affecting when children can be prosecuted and through which court system.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#courts--general(i0160) #courts--prosecutingattorneys(i0165) #juvenilejusticedepartment #texas(v0846) #lawenforcement #texascommissionon(v0986) #minors--juvenilejustice(i0534) #schoolsafetycenter #texas(v0224) #supremecourtoftexaschildren'scommission(vc2oq)
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Bill Summary · SB 2304

Legislative bill overview

SB 2304 modifies Texas law regarding the age at which juvenile courts can assert jurisdiction over children and establishes or adjusts the minimum age of criminal responsibility. The bill appears to address whether younger children can be prosecuted in the juvenile justice system or, potentially, whether the minimum age threshold should be raised or lowered.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects which children enter the criminal justice system and at what age, influencing their legal rights, educational continuity, and long-term outcomes. It reflects fundamental policy questions about child development, accountability, and rehabilitation versus punishment—with significant implications for public safety, juvenile justice resources, and affected families.

Potential points of contention

  • Age threshold changes: Whether raising or lowering the minimum age better serves rehabilitation or public safety
  • Jurisdictional scope: Whether juvenile courts should handle more or fewer cases, and how this affects both the juvenile and adult court systems
  • Data and evidence: Disagreement over developmental science regarding children's culpability and the effectiveness of different jurisdictional approaches at various ages
  • Resource allocation: Fiscal impacts on juvenile detention facilities, courts, and social services depending on which direction the age threshold moves
  • Equity concerns: How age threshold changes may disproportionately affect low-income children and communities of color in the criminal justice system

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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