88R13735 AMF-D
 
  By: Bucy H.B. No. 3765
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of a supply of luggage by the
  Department of Family and Protective Services for the transport of
  the personal belongings of a foster child.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 264.1078 to read as follows:
         Sec. 264.1078.  LUGGAGE FOR FOSTER CHILDREN. (a) In this
  section, "luggage" means a suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, or
  similar container designed to hold an individual's personal
  belongings. 
         (b)  The department shall:
               (1)  establish and maintain a decentralized supply of
  luggage to be used to transport a foster child's personal
  belongings; and
               (2)  develop procedures for the storage and
  distribution of luggage to ensure the maximum number of children
  are able to use the luggage.
         (c)  The department shall provide luggage to a child who is
  being removed from the child's home or changing placement. 
         (d)  The department shall maintain a record of each time a
  trash bag is used to move a foster child's personal belongings. The
  record must include the reason the department did not provide the
  child with appropriate luggage to move the child's personal
  belongings. 
         (e)  The department shall submit an annual report to the
  legislature that includes a summary of:
               (1)  the number of times a trash bag was used to
  transport a foster child's personal belongings and the reasons the
  department failed to provide the child with appropriate luggage;
  and 
               (2)  the department's supply inventory and inventory
  management practices for the luggage supply maintained under
  Subsection (b).
         (f)  The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
  donations of any kind and from any source for purposes of this
  section.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.