SRC-JBJ H.B. 2428 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2428
77R7450 JMM-DBy: Goodman (Shapiro)
Jurisprudence
4/19/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current Texas law provides that the files of child protective service
workers and children's advocacy center employees are confidential but does
not protect the confidentiality of information contained in the files of
court-appointed volunteer advocate program employees.  Court-appointed
child advocate volunteers often generate confidential case files as part of
their advocacy work.  H.B. 2428 protects the confidentiality of all files,
reports, records, communications, and working papers used or developed in
providing services under Chapter 264G of the Family Code.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 264G, Family Code, by adding Section 264.613, as
follows: 

Sec. 264.613.  USE OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS;  CONFIDENTIALITY.  (a)
Provides that the files, reports, records, communications, and working
papers used or developed in providing services under this subchapter are
confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552 (Public
Information), Government Code, and authorizes them to only be disclosed for
purposes consistent with this subchapter. 

(b)  Authorizes information described by Subsection (a) to be disclosed to
certain entities. 

(c)  Provides that information related to the investigation of a report of
abuse or neglect of a child under Chapter 261 and services provided as a
result of the investigation are confidential as provided by Section
261.201. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.