H.B. 3186 (88th Legislative Session), the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act, increases opportunities for early identification of at-risk youth and for redirecting children accused of certain Class C misdemeanors. Currently, municipal and justice courts can only order diversion strategies after a case has resulted in a conviction or deferral of disposition. H.B. 3186 makes these strategies available at the front end of a case where they can be more effective. This aligns municipal and justice court practices with those used by juvenile probation and juvenile courts. The bill also recalibrates and expands opportunities for collaboration and financial resources in both rural and urban parts of Texas. H.B. 3186 requires the adoption of a youth diversion plan for every municipal and justice court no later than January 1, 2025.
This page is intended to serve as a clearinghouse of resources for municipal courts to implement the requirements of H.B. 3186. Please check back frequently for newly added resources.
Resources
H.B. 3186 Bill Summary (TMCEC)
NEW! H.B. 3186 Youth Diversion Process Overview: Flowchart with Commentary
NEW! Youth Diversion Checklist
Forms
CAVEAT: The forms below are intended to serve as only a guide and to provide accurate and current information. However, it is published with the intention that TMCEC is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice. All users must be responsible for their own legal drafting. Legal drafting should be accompanied by legal advice and direction from the city attorney. TMCEC and its employees do not warrant, either expressly or implicitly, that the forms and information below have not been subject to change, amendment, reversal, or revision.
Dismissal of Charge Pursuant to Diversion Agreement: Word PDF
Referral to Court for Hearing – Non-compliance with Diversion Agreement: Word PDF
Order on Referral Hearing – Non-compliance with Diversion Agreement: Word PDF
Sample MOU for Service Providers (Submitted by the Irving Municipal Court)
Coming Soon: Sample Diversion Plans, Sample MOUs for Service Providers, and more! If you want to share your diversion plan on this webpage, please send it to youthdiversion@tmcec.com.
FAQs: We are collecting questions to create a Frequently Asked Questions page. Please email youthdiversion@tmcec.com with questions related to implementing H.B. 3186. PLEASE NOTE: Questions submitted to this email address are for collection and education purposes only. TMCEC will not respond to any questions submitted to this designated email address. If you have a legal question, call TMCEC at 800.252.3718.