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House Bill 249 |
House Author: Hernandez et al. |
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Effective: 9-1-17 |
Senate Sponsor: Taylor, Van |
House Bill 249 amends the Family Code to provide for a definition of "exploitation" generally applicable to investigations of a report of child abuse or neglect and to redefine certain other terms relevant to such an investigation. The bill also limits the investigations to which the definitions of "abuse," "neglect," and "exploitation" with regard to agency investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in certain facilities apply to such investigations in juvenile justice programs and facilities and establishes that forcing or coercing a child to enter into a marriage constitutes abuse and family violence.
House Bill 249 amends the Government Code to include investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurring at certain child-care facilities among the functions of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) that are not subject to transfer under the health and human services system consolidation.
House Bill 249 amends the Human Resources Code to require DFPS to review its records retention policy and to create the case management services vendor quality oversight and assurance division within DFPS and an office of data analytics. The bill also sets out provisions regarding investigations of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation conducted by the child protective services division of DFPS and regarding performance measures for certain provider contracts.