Relating to the preliminary investigation conducted when a child is referred to juvenile court.

HB 4631 updates Texas juvenile court procedures for cases involving children referred to court. It clarifies that preliminary investigations must determine if a person is a child under the law and whether there is reasonable evidence they engaged in behavior needing supervision or were held solely for deportation. The bill adds a requirement for courts to refer children under 12 to community services (like counseling or family support) if they meet specific criteria, such as not needing prosecutor involvement and being eligible for deferred prosecution. It also repeals a related section of the Family Code, effective September 1, 2025.