82R16572 TJB-F
 
  By: Hernandez Luna, Naishtat, Rodriguez H.B. No. 3234
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the prioritization of requests to release certain case
  records maintained by the Department of Family and Protective
  Services.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 264.0145 to read as follows:
         Sec. 264.0145.  RELEASE OF CASE RECORD.  (a)  In this
  section, "case record" means those files, reports, records,
  communications, audiotapes, videotapes, or working papers under
  the custody and control of the department that are collected,
  developed, or used:
               (1)  in a child abuse or neglect investigation; or
               (2)  in providing services as a result of an
  investigation, including substitute care services for a child.
         (b)  The department by rule shall establish guidelines that
  prioritize requests to release case records, including those made
  by an adult previously in the department's managing
  conservatorship.
         (c)  The department is not required to release a copy of the
  case record except as provided by law and department rule.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.