Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 2895 amends the Human Resources Code to authorize the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) to disclose a child's records and other information concerning the child to the child and the child's parents or guardian only if the disclosure would not harm the treatment and rehabilitation of the child and would not substantially decrease the chance of the commission receiving further information. The bill prohibits releasing information concerning a person age 18 or older to the person's parent or guardian without the person's consent. The bill also authorizes the TYC to disclose information regarding a child's location and committing court to a person having a legitimate need for the information.

            House Bill 2895 authorizes a hearing examiner, appointed by the TYC, to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of a witness or the production of any material considered necessary for a determination of treatment for a child committed to the TYC. The bill establishes procedures for serving a subpoena and for compelling the attendance of a witness or the production of material. The bill requires the TYC to refer to the appropriate mental health authority a child who is being released and who requires outpatient psychiatric treatment.