TX HB2489

Creates the Office of Youth Health and Safety within the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Forensic Coordination to promote trauma-responsive and culturally informed services for children ages 10-17 under juvenile court jurisdiction

Establishes a 21-member Board of Youth Health and Safety as the governing body, including state agency officials, a judge, civil rights attorney, trauma-informed counselor, juvenile justice advocates, and two individuals formerly committed to juvenile correctional facilities

Requires the office to develop a plan by January 1, 2027, with strategies to end new commitments to Texas Juvenile Justice Department post-adjudication secure correctional facilities by September 1, 2028

Mandates the plan include establishing alternative evidence-based local placements in each county, secure options for children presenting serious risk of harm, and strategies to end racial and disability disparities in the juvenile justice system

Directs a feasibility study on staggered closure of all post-adjudication secure correctional facilities operated by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, with the planning section expiring September 1, 2032