BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 131
By: West (Danburg)
05-08-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

     The Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DRPS)
Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult Protective Services
divisions investigate allegations of abuse and neglect in homes
where other forms of domestic violence may be present.  Currently,
CPS caseworkers have a check box on investigation forms for family
violence.  While this information is not gathered for statistical
purposes, it is used to assess risk to the child to determine what
action is needed to protect the child.  If domestic violence is
indicated, the alleged perpetrator may be asked to leave the
residence.


PURPOSE

     S.B. 131 would direct DPRS caseworkers to document indications
of domestic violence noted during their investigations.  Further,
the bill would facialitate distribution of information relating to
community services to victims of family violence.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

     It is the committee's opinion that S.B. 131 grants rulemaking
authority to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
in SECTION 1, with a deadline for adoption of the rules in SECTION
2.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 12, Article 4413(503), V.T.C.S., by
adding new Subsections (d) and (e), as follows:

     (d) Requires the Department of Protective and Regulatory
     Services (DPRS) to adopt and implement rules requiring
     employees charged with investigation duties to document
     indications of domestic violence.  Authorizes DPRS to develop
     forms to facilitate the documentation process.  Requires DPRS
     to include statistical compilations of the information
     documented under this subsection in its annual report.
     
     (e)  Requires DPRS to adopt rules requiring written
     information concerning community services be made available
     for victims of domestic violence, in both English and Spanish. 
     Authorizes DPRS to coordinate efforts under this subsection
     with local law enforcement agencies already providing such
     information.
      SECTION 2.  Effective date, September 1, 1995.  Establishes
deadline of January 1, 1996, for adopting rules to implement this
Act.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

     The Human Services Committee convened in a formal meeting on
May 8, 1995, and the Chairman laid out S.B. 131 by Rep. Danburg and
explained the bill.  The Chairman recognized Rep. Wohlgemuth who
moved that the committee report S.B. 131 favorably without
amendment and send the bill to the Committee on Local and Consent
Calendars.  The motion prevailed by a record vote of 7 Ayes, 0
Nays, 0 PNV and 2 Absent.