79R2608 KSD-D


By:  Uresti, et al.                                               H.B. No. 802



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the investigation of certain reports of child abuse and 
neglect.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, is 
amended by adding Section 261.3012 to read as follows:
	Sec. 261.3012.  COMPLETION OF PAPERWORK.  An employee of the 
department who responds to a report that is assigned the highest 
priority in accordance with department rules adopted under Section 
261.301(d) shall identify, to the extent reasonable under the 
circumstances, forms and other paperwork that can be completed by 
members of the family of the child who is the subject of the report.  
The department employee shall request the assistance of the child's 
family members in completing that documentation but remains 
responsible for ensuring that the documentation is completed in an 
appropriate manner.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.