Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3872

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to hiring and employment requirements for persons in direct contact with children at certain facilities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3872 will enhance the safety protocols within facilities that cater to children, including residential treatment centers and juvenile detention facilities. By enforcing rigorous hiring standards, the bill seeks to create a safeguard for vulnerable populations against potential abuse, reinforcing the overall commitment to child welfare in Texas. The bill specifically targets governmental entities, thus applying to facilities managed by state and local authorities, which underscores its broad reach.

Summary

House Bill 3872 aims to establish stringent hiring and employment requirements for individuals in direct contact with children at certain facilities in Texas. It mandates comprehensive background checks, including state and federal criminal history reviews as well as employment verification, for applicants, volunteers, and contractors who may interact with children. The bill's emphasis is on preventing potential abuse by ensuring that those employed in sensitive roles are thoroughly vetted for any prior allegations or convictions related to child abuse.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 3872 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among child welfare advocates and organizations focused on preventing abuse. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step toward safeguarding children's rights and enhancing their protection in institutional settings. However, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive background checks, especially for facilities operating under limited resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3872 include the potential burden it places on facilities to conduct extensive checks and the challenge of ensuring timely updates on criminal records. Some critics worry that while the aim of the bill is noble, the practicality of enforcing these requirements without adequate funding or resources could hinder the operation of vital child services.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 810. Interagency Reportable Conduct Search Engine
    • Section: 001
    • Section: 002
    • Section: 003
    • Section: 004
    • Section: 005

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3153

Relating to hiring and employment requirements for persons in direct contact with children at certain facilities.

TX SB1891

Relating to a general employment review of persons who apply to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and certain independent contractors for employment involving direct contact with students or children; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB2683

Relating to employment in certain consumer-directed services and by certain facilities and to the nurse aide registry and the employee misconduct registry.

TX SB67

Relating to the imposition of background and criminal history check requirements for operators and employees of certain facilities and agencies serving children, the elderly, or persons who are disabled; providing criminal penalties.

TX HB2609

Relating to convictions barring employment at or by certain facilities serving the elderly or persons with disabilities.

TX HB2329

Relating to employment at or by certain facilities serving the elderly or person with disabilities.

TX SB152

Relating to the protection and care of persons who are elderly or disabled or who are children.

TX AB2317

Children’s psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

TX HB2730

Fingerprinting; personnel; committed youth; contact.

TX HB1009

Relating to imposing requirements on the employment of or contracts for certain individuals providing services to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, including requiring certain facilities and Medicaid providers to conduct criminal history record information and employee misconduct registry reviews and to suspend the employment or contracts of individuals who engage in reportable conduct; providing administrative penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.