BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 1528

89R9600 RAL-F

By: West

 

Health & Human Services

 

4/16/2025

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) employees often see their personal property�phones, laptops, bags, even vehicles�damaged by disgruntled parents or foster children.

 

Given that the price to replace most smart phones is $1,000 and above, and most DFPS caseworkers make under $50,000 per year, destruction of property of a DFPS worker by a ward of the state or parent is a significant burden for the employee.

 

S.B. 1528 will allow DFPS to reimburse employees whose personal property is damaged during the course of their official duties by a client of the agency.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1528 amends current law relating to reimbursing employees of the Department of Family and Protective Services for loss of or damage to personal property.

 

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 Subchapter C, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 40.084, as follows:

 

Sec. 40.084. REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOST OR DAMAGED PERSONAL PROPERTY. Authorizes the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), using existing resources, to reimburse a present or former employee of DFPS for loss of or damage to personal property caused by a client of DFPS in the course and scope of the employee's duties.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.