SRC-SLL H.B. 3345 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3345 By: Smith (Harris) Jurisprudence 5-14-97 Engrossed DIGEST The Family Code requires the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect allegedly committed by a child's custodian or caretaker. However, clarification is need when a report of abuse or neglect is made during the pendency of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. This bill will require an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect during the pendency of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship to be conducted without regard to the suit. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3345 provides regulations regarding an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect during the pendency of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. 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 261.301(a), Family Code, to require an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect to be conducted without regard to any pending suit affecting the parent-child relationship. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.