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.