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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the prioritization of requests to release certain case |
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records maintained by the Department of Family and Protective |
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Services. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 264, Family Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 264.0145 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 264.0145. RELEASE OF CASE RECORD. (a) In this |
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section, "case record" means those files, reports, records, |
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communications, audiotapes, videotapes, or working papers under |
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the custody and control of the department that are collected, |
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developed, or used: |
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(1) in a child abuse or neglect investigation; or |
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(2) in providing services as a result of an |
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investigation, including substitute care services for a child. |
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(b) The department by rule shall establish guidelines that |
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prioritize requests to release case records, including those made |
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by an adult previously in the department's managing |
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conservatorship. |
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(c) The department is not required to release a copy of the |
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case record except as provided by law and department rule. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |