Logan Perkins was just 24 years old when his life was violently and senselessly taken from him. In his own home, a place that should have represented safety and tranquility, a 16-year-old robbed him of his future. We tell Logan's story not only for him but for countless others who have fallen victim to similar situations. 

Texas is a state that values justice and rightly so. Yet, true justice continues to elude families like Logan's, as juvenile perpetrators can receive lighter sentences and have their records sealed under current laws. This devastating lack of accountability only deepens the wounds of fractured families, promising no deterrents for heinous acts committed by those under 18.

In Texas, of the 1,193 murders committed in 2019, around 8% were handled through the juvenile justice system (Texas Department of Public Safety). Yet, comprehensive information about these juveniles and their crimes remains hidden from the public due to the sealing of records.

What we propose is a two-fold action. First, mandatory sentencing for juvenile murderers to ensure that the punishment appropriately reflects the severity of the crime. This will ensure justice for the victims' families while concurrently deterring potential juvenile crime. Second, unsealing the records of these juveniles to transparently inform society of the offenders and the measures being taken to rehabilitate them.

By signing this petition, you are not only advocating for Logan and his family but for a safer, more transparent Texas. Join us in this pursuit of justice. Sign the petition today! Please also share this petition so that we can gather support from all around Texas and let our representatives know that we deserve safe communities! 

A BILL TO  BE ENTITLED

THE LOGAN PERKINS ACT

Relating to the prosecution of juveniles aged fifteen and older for capital offenses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 8, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 8.09 as follows:

Sec. 8.09. MANDATORY ADULT PROSECUTION FOR

CAPITAL OFFENSES. 

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who is fifteen (15) years of age or older at the time of committing an offense classified as a capital felony under Section 19.03, Penal Code, shall be prosecuted as an adult.

(b) The provisions of the Juvenile Justice Code, Family Code, or any other law that would otherwise provide for the adjudication of such offenses in juvenile court shall not apply to offenses covered under this section.

(c) A person charged under this section shall be subject to the same legal procedures, sentencing guidelines, and penalties applicable to adult offenders, except where prohibited by federal law or United States Supreme Court precedent.

SECTION 2. Article 4.18, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:

Art. 4.18. JURISDICTION OVER JUVENILE DEFENDANTS IN CAPITAL CASES.

(a) A criminal court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over any individual charged under Section 8.09, Penal Code.

(b) The prosecuting attorney shall file charges in the appropriate district court and may not seek certification of the individual as a juvenile under Section 54.02, Family Code.

SECTION 3. Section 51.02(2), Family Code, is amended to read as follows:

(2) “Child” means a person who is:

(a) 10 years of age or older and under 18 years of age, who

(b) (i) has not committed a capital offense; OR 10 years of age or older and under 15 years of age, who

(c) (i) has committed a capital offense; OR 18 years of age or older and under 20 years of age who is:

(i) alleged or found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision as a result of acts committed before becoming 18 years of age, but said delinquent conduct did not include committing one or more capitol offenses; and (ii) under the jurisdiction of a juvenile court.

SECTION 4. Section 54.02, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection  (m) as follows:(d) This section does not apply to a child alleged to have engaged in delinquent conduct constituting a capital felony under Section 19.03, Penal Code. Such individuals shall be prosecuted under Section 8.09, Penal Code.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.