BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2124
85R19383 MCK-D	By: Minjarez et al. (Kolkhorst)
	Health & Human Services
	5/8/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties have expressed a need to support the development of more consistent memoranda of understanding between the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program and state and local child welfare services to improve coordination of local child welfare and military protective rehabilitative services in support of military children and families.

H.B. 2124 addresses this issue by requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services, in an investigation of a report of abuse or neglect allegedly committed by a person responsible for a child's care, custody, or welfare, to notify the U.S. Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program of the investigation if the person under investigation is determined to be an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces or the spouse of a person on active duty.

H.B. 2124 amends current law relating to the procedures for identifying and notifying relevant federal agencies about certain child abuse and neglect investigations.

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. Amends Section 261.301, Family Code, by adding Subsection (j), as follows:

(j) Requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), in an investigation of a report of abuse or neglect allegedly committed by a person responsible for a child�s care, custody, or welfare, to determine whether the person is an active duty member of the United States armed forces (armed forces) or the spouse of a member on active duty. Requires DFPS, if DFPS determines the person is an active duty member of the armed forces or the spouse of a member on active duty, to notify the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program at the closest active duty military installation of the investigation.

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2017. �