Bill

HB 1309

84(R) - 2015
House Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
House Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Sylvester Turner

Bill Caption

Relating to the notification of certain legislators of the death of a child in foster care.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 264 of the Family Code. Within five days of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) receiving notification that a child died while in foster care, DFPS would be required to inform legislators whose counties are directly affected by the fatality.

The second chamber sponsor is Senator Schwertner.

Vote Recommendation Notes

We support HB 1309 because it promotes accountability and fits within our view of a legitimate role of government. In order to better oversee the Department of Family and Protective Services, legislators should be made aware of issues related to that department's performance in their respective districts.