BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 801
79R2602 MCK-D By: Uresti (Nelson)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Department of Family and Protective Services (department) personnel receive reports of child abuse and neglect. These personnel must be properly trained to screen incoming calls and designate appropriate priority levels governing response times by law enforcement and department investigative workers. An inadequate response to a report of abuse or neglect can lead to the death of or injury to a child. Therefore, it is essential that intake personnel receive proper training to determine the seriousness of incoming reports, and to prioritize the reports accordingly.
H.B. 801 requires the department to develop, in cooperation with local law enforcement officials and the Commission on State Emergency Communications, a training program for department personnel who receive reports of abuse and neglect.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
[While the statutory reference in this bill is to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, the following amendments affect the Department of Family and Protective Services, as the successor agency to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.]
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, by adding Section 261.3016, as follows:
Sec. 261.3016. TRAINING OF PERSONNEL RECEIVING REPORTS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT. Requires the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (department) to develop, in cooperation with local law enforcement officials and the Commission on State Emergency Communications, a training program for department personnel who receive reports of abuse and neglect. Sets forth specific information which must be included in the training program.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2005.