78R5948 KSD-D

By:  Hartnett                                                     H.B. No. 1469



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to privileged communications in a proceeding regarding the 
abuse or neglect of a child.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 261.202, Family Code, is amended to read 
as follows:     
	Sec. 261.202.  PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION.  In a proceeding 
regarding the abuse or neglect of a child, evidence may not be 
excluded on the ground of privileged communication except in the 
case of communications:
		(1)  between an attorney and client as provided by Rule 
503, Texas Rules of Evidence; or
		(2)  to a member of the clergy as provided by Rule 505, 
Texas Rules of Evidence.
	SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies to a 
proceeding regarding the abuse or neglect of a child commenced on or 
after the effective date of this Act.  A proceeding commenced before 
the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on 
the date the proceeding was commenced, and the former law is 
continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.