Texas House Bill HB2665

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/11/25

Caption

Relating to notification and disclosure of records and information concerning an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect to county or district attorneys.

Impact

By restructuring how reports of suspected child abuse or neglect are communicated, HB2665 seeks to enhance the responsiveness of legal entities to such serious matters. The bill prescribes that the information shared with attorneys remains confidential and is strictly released for legal purposes, thus protecting sensitive details from becoming public. This framework is designed to ensure that child abuse investigations receive the necessary legal attention promptly, potentially leading to swifter responses in safeguarding children.

Summary

House Bill 2665 aims to amend Section 261.1055 of the Texas Family Code, focusing specifically on the notification and disclosure protocols related to investigations of child abuse or neglect. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely communication between the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and county or district attorneys when such reports are received. Under the provisions of this bill, upon receipt of a report, the department will be mandated to immediately inform the relevant county or district attorney responsible for investigating or prosecuting the case. This change aims to streamline the referral of cases to the appropriate legal authorities.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding this bill is the balance between confidentiality and transparency. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns about the confidentiality clauses, worrying that while protecting sensitive information is crucial, it may also limit transparency and oversight. Some stakeholders argue for a more nuanced approach that would allow for certain information to be disclosed publicly, enabling community awareness while still protecting the privacy of affected individuals. Destined to take effect on September 1, 2025, the bill’s implementation will require further examination to ensure it does not inadvertently hinder justice or public trust.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 2. The Marriage Relationship
  • Section: New Section