Texas SB2304 sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 13 and requires juvenile courts to waive jurisdiction for children under 13.

Texas SB2304 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to define "child" as someone at least 13 years old but younger than 17, charged with or convicted of an offense. The bill prohibits prosecution or conviction for certain offenses committed before age 13. For children aged 13 but younger than 15, there is a presumption of incapacity to commit such offenses, refutable by the prosecution. The bill mandates that juvenile courts consider waiving jurisdiction for children under 13 if less restrictive interventions are available and in the child's best interest.

Texas SB2304 sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 13 and requires juvenile courts to waive jurisdiction for children under 13.

Texas SB2304 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to define "child" as someone at least 13 years old but younger than 17, charged with or convicted of an offense. The bill prohibits prosecution or conviction for certain offenses committed before age 13. For children aged 13 but younger than 15, there is a presumption of incapacity to commit such offenses, refutable by the prosecution. The bill mandates that juvenile courts consider waiving jurisdiction for children under 13 if less restrictive interventions are available and in the child's best interest.