Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 135	House Author:  Minjarez et al.
Effective:  9-1-21	Senate Sponsor:  Miles et al.

            House Bill 135 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 inform the person orally and in writing of the person's right to create an audio or video recording of the interview among other related information and to provide the person written notice of the person's right to request an administrative review of DFPS findings after the investigation. The bill sets out requirements relating to DFPS documentation of providing the respective notices and prohibits such a recording from being posted online in a way that identifies a party involved in the interview.