TX SB2693

Removes "advocacy groups" from the list of entities the Texas Juvenile Justice Department must consult when developing its regionalization plan

Changes access for advocacy and support groups to juvenile facilities from mandatory ("shall allow") to discretionary ("may allow"), requiring the department to first find that involvement is in the child's best interest

Removes the prohibition against using security and privacy procedures to deny advocacy or support groups access to confined children

Requires the department to deny facility access to any advocacy or support group that has filed a federal complaint against the department while the investigation is pending, or filed a lawsuit against the department while litigation is pending

Creates an exception allowing access for groups required by federal law or federal court order, and preserves attorneys' rights to meet with clients or potential clients who have requested their services

Effective date: September 1, 2025