Relating to the age of criminal responsibility and to certain substantive and procedural matters related to that age.

SB 1306 raises the age of criminal responsibility in Texas from 18 to 17 years old for most offenses. It amends the Family Code to define "child" as someone under 17 (previously under 18) and changes the Penal Code to prohibit prosecuting individuals under 17 for most crimes unless a juvenile court waives jurisdiction. The bill affects minors aged 10-16 who commit offenses, keeping them under juvenile court jurisdiction unless specific exceptions apply. The changes take effect September 1, 2027, and do not apply retroactively to offenses committed before that date. The bill also updates related provisions in the Penal Code regarding gang-related offenses and sexual abuse involving minors.