SRC-CDH H.B. 1929 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1929
By: McClendon (Zaffirini)
Health & Human Services
4-28-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) has received several
complaints of alleged child abuse in juvenile pre-adjudication and
post-adjudication secure detention and correctional facilities. However,
because secure juvenile detention and correctional facilities are not
licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
(DPRS),  DPRS does not have the authority to investigate alleged child
abuse or neglect in those facilities.  Concern has been raised that the
investigation of alleged abuse in these facilities has suffered as a
result.  H.B. 1929 would require juvenile probation officers and juvenile
detention or correctional officers to report child abuse or neglect to a
local law enforcement agency, and would require a local law enforcement
agency to immediately notify TJPC of any report the agency receives.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1929 provides for the investigation and reporting of
child abuse or neglect. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 261.101(b), Family Code, to provide that the
term "professional" includes juvenile probation officers and juvenile
detention or correctional officers.  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 261.405, Family Code, as follows:

Sec. 261.405.  New heading:  INVESTIGATIONS IN PRE-ADJUDICATION AND
POSTADJUDICATION SECURE JUVENILE FACILITIES.  Requires a report of alleged
abuse or neglect in a public or private juvenile pre-adjudication secure
detention facility or public or private juvenile post-adjudication secure
correctional facility to be made to a local law enforcement agency for
investigation.  Requires the local law enforcement agency to immediately
notify the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission of any report the agency
receives. 

SECTION 3. Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.