H.B. No. 3234
AN ACT
relating to the prioritization of requests to release certain case
records maintained by the Department of Family and Protective
Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
amended by adding Section 264.0145 to read as follows:
Sec. 264.0145. RELEASE OF CASE RECORD. (a) In this
section, "case record" means those files, reports, records,
communications, audiotapes, videotapes, or working papers under
the custody and control of the department that are collected,
developed, or used:
(1) in a child abuse or neglect investigation; or
(2) in providing services as a result of an
investigation, including substitute care services for a child.
(b) The department by rule shall establish guidelines that
prioritize requests to release case records, including those made
by an adult previously in the department's managing
conservatorship.
(c) The department is not required to release a copy of the
case record except as provided by law and department rule.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 3234 was passed by the House on April
20, 2011, by the following vote: Yeas 141, Nays 7, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 3234 was passed by the Senate on May
18, 2011, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor