Bill Caption

Relating to investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child conducted by the Department of Family and Protective Services. 

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

Under current law, sections dealing with the accountability of professionals in facilities dealing with children have different definitions of abuse and neglect. This bill would get rid of the separate definitions of abuse and neglect in the section dealing with investigations of abuse in certain facilities, and use the more expansive definitions of abuse and neglect in preceding sections of the Family code. The bill would also define exploitation and put investigations of reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation at a facility licensed by the commission, department, or other health and human services agency under the authority of DFPS. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This change to more expanded definitions would would help develop greater accountability for those who work in facilities dealing with children and therefore help the entire system become more efficient as well as preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Therefore, we support this bill.