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.