Bill: HB 1217, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
House Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Senfronia Thompson
Bill Caption
Relating to reporting information for certain foster children who are missing or are victims of sex trafficking.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
The bill would amend Chapter 264 of the Family Code by requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to publish an annual report containing information on each child in the department's managing conservatorship who is missing from the child's substitute care provider and who is a victim of sex trafficking while under DFPS conservatorship. The information would be required to include:
- whether the managing conservatorship of DFPS is temporary or permanent;
- the type of substitute care in which the child is placed; and
- the child's sex, age, race, and ethnicity and the department region in which the child resides.
The annual report would not be allowed to include any individually identifiable information regarding a child who is the subject of information in the report.
Vote Recommendation Notes
The annual report would enhance governmental transparency and accountability. We support HB 1217 because it fits within our view of a legitimate role of a limited government. The state has a responsibility to ensure that children under its conservatorship are accounted for and placed in appropriate care.
