85R1644 LHC-F     By: Wu, et al. H.B. No. 679       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to prohibiting the use of a mechanical or physical   restraint on a child during a judicial proceeding in the juvenile   court.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 54, Family Code, is amended by adding   Section 54.12 to read as follows:          Sec. 54.12.  USE OF RESTRAINTS. (a) A mechanical or   physical restraint may not be used on a child during a judicial   proceeding and any restraint must be removed before the child's   appearance before the court unless the court finds that:                (1)  the use of a mechanical or physical restraint is   necessary:                      (A)  to prevent physical injury to the child or   another; or                      (B)  because the child has a history of disruptive   courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful   situations; and                (2)  the mechanical or physical restraint used is the   least restrictive restraint effective to prevent physical injury to   the child or another or the child's escape.          (b)  The court shall provide the child's attorney an   opportunity to be heard before the court may order the use of a   mechanical or physical restraint. If the use of a restraint is   ordered, the court shall make findings of fact in support of the   order.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.