BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 682

By: Minjarez

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised over the frustration experienced by families involved in child abuse or neglect investigations when the time allowed to dispute the findings made by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) after the investigation has expired. It has been noted that while the alleged perpetrator in an investigation may request an administrative review of DFPS findings, DFPS is not currently required to communicate that right to the person. H.B. 682 seeks to address these concerns and provide greater transparency by requiring DFPS to verbally notify the alleged perpetrator of their right to request an administrative review of the DFPS findings after a child abuse or neglect investigation.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 682 amends the Family Code to require the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), before interviewing an alleged perpetrator in a child abuse or neglect investigation, to verbally notify the person of the person's right to request an administrative review of the DFPS findings after the investigation. The bill requires DFPS to document the provision of such notice in the case file.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.