Texas Senate Bill SB2080

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/8/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to treating and reducing child abuse and neglect and improving child welfare, including providing assistance for adoptive parents and foster care providers.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts state laws by formalizing a structured approach to address issues of child abuse and neglect. The task force is required to review current legal exemptions related to maternal substance abuse and their implications on newborns. Furthermore, the strategic plan developed by the task force may propose specific statutory changes, enhancing the collaborative efforts among state agencies and promoting new programs aimed at improving child welfare. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of considering geographical diversity in the appointments to ensure a comprehensive representation of state interests.

Summary

SB2080 is a legislative bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive strategy for reducing child abuse and neglect while improving child welfare in Texas. The bill mandates the formation of a task force consisting of 15 members, appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, all of whom must be actively involved in child welfare and prevention fields. The task force is charged with the responsibility of gathering pertinent information related to child safety and welfare throughout the state, as well as developing goals for state policy to enhance child welfare services.

Contention

While the bill promotes a unified strategy to address child welfare, potential points of contention may arise regarding the extent of the task force's authority, particularly in its recommendations for statutory changes and programs. Discussions might focus on balancing state oversight with local agency autonomy, as well as the political implications of addressing sensitive issues such as maternal substance abuse. Moreover, some stakeholders might express concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed strategic plan and the actual implementation of its recommendations, particularly given the bill's expiration date set for September 2011.