The gist
The city already uses youth diversion programs, but this ordinance codifies those practices and allows the city to charge a fee, Hutto Municipal Court Judge Lucas Wilson said. These programs can help minors who face Class C misdemeanor charges, such as possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication and assault without injury, that aren’t handled by the Williamson County Juvenile Services.
“The state Legislature decided it was probably a good idea to try to give youth the opportunity to be diverted from a criminal case or criminal conviction if it was their first time, [or] if it was a relatively minor offense,” Wilson said at the Jan. 9 meeting.
About the program
The Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. It requires municipal and justice courts to have written plans for youth diversion, including educational programs, leadership training, job training and mental health screenings.
With passing the ordinance, the Hutto Municipal Court can also charge a $50 administrative fee to a child defendant's parent to help cover the costs of diversion programs. The ordinance states that the city will deposit the funds into a special account that can only go towards the cost of these programs.
