H.B. No. 135
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to notifying an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or
  neglect of certain rights in an investigation by the Department of
  Family and Protective Services.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 261.3027 to read as follows:
         Sec. 261.3027.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO RECORD INTERVIEW. (a)
  Before conducting an interview with an alleged perpetrator, the
  department shall inform the person orally and in writing that:
               (1)  the person may create an audio or video recording
  of the interview but may not record the interview in any other
  manner;
               (2)  any audio or video recording made by the person may
  be subject to subpoena under a court order; and
               (3)  the person may request and receive a copy of the
  department's current recording policy.
         (b)  The department shall document in the case file that the
  department provided the notice required by Subsection (a).
         (c)  The department shall provide two copies of the written
  notice to be signed by the person. The department shall provide one
  signed notice to the person and retain the other signed notice in
  the case file.
         (d)  An audio or video recording of the department's
  interview with an alleged perpetrator may not be posted on an
  Internet website in a manner that could identify a party involved in
  the interview.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 261.3091 to read as follows:
         Sec. 261.3091.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO REQUEST ADMINISTRATIVE
  REVIEW. (a) Before conducting an interview with an alleged
  perpetrator, the department shall notify the person in writing that
  the person may request an administrative review of the department's
  findings under Section 261.309. The person shall sign the written
  notice to acknowledge receipt of the notice.
         (b)  The department shall document in the case file that the
  department provided the notice required by Subsection (a).
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 135 was passed by the House on April
  9, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 0, 2 present, not
  voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
  No. 135 on May 28, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 0, 1
  present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 135 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 20, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays
  5.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor