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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the investigation of allegations of abuse and neglect |
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in a residential detention facility. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 261, Family Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 261.411 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 261.411. INVESTIGATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL DETENTION |
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FACILITIES. (a) This section applies only to a residential |
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child-care facility that: |
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(1) is operated by or under a contract with United |
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States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal |
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immigration laws; and |
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(2) detains children. |
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(b) The Health and Human Services Commission shall adopt |
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rules relating to the commission's investigation of allegations of |
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abuse or neglect in a residential child-care facility described by |
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Subsection (a). |
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(c) The rules must require the commission to: |
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(1) immediately investigate an allegation of abuse or |
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neglect of a child detained in a residential child-care facility |
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described by Subsection (a); |
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(2) communicate with the child who is the alleged |
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victim of the abuse or neglect and the alleged victim's family; and |
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(3) ensure the alleged victim is provided |
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opportunities to communicate with the victim's parent, guardian, or |
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another family member. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |