BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Recent reports contend that the rate of child deaths resulting from abuse and neglect continues to be higher in Texas than in other states. Concerned parties assert that the deaths of children in the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) are particularly troubling and warrant legislative priority and prompt review.
H.B. 932 amends current law relating to the notification of certain legislators of the death of a child in foster care.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 264, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 264.0121, as follows:
Sec. 264.0121. NOTICE TO LEGISLATORS OF FOSTER CHILD'S DEATH. Requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), not later than the fifth day after the date DFPS is notified of the death of a child for whom DFPS has been appointed managing conservator, to provide the information described by Section 261.203(a) (relating to requiring DFPS, not later than the fifth day after the date DFPS receives a request for information about a child fatality with respect to which DFPS is conducting an investigation of alleged abuse or neglect, to release certain information) for the child to the state senators and state representatives who represent:
(1) the county in which the child's placement at the time of the child's death was located; and
(2) the county in which a suit affecting the parent-child relationship involving the child is pending.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.