Texas House Bill HB841

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Out of House Committee: 3/25/11
• Voted on by House: 4/8/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 3/22/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/10/11
• Engrossed: 4/8/11
• Governor Action: 5/21/11
• Refer: 4/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/5/11
• Enrolled: 5/11/11
• Passed: 5/21/11

Caption

Relating to certain statutory references to the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

If enacted, HB841 would have a significant impact on how child welfare cases are handled in Texas. The amendments included in the bill propose to refine the process by which suspected abuse cases are reported and managed. For instance, the bill mandates that physicians report suspected cases of abuse directly to DFPS, ensuring a streamlined approach to child welfare and protective services. This change is aimed at enhancing the quick response capabilities of DFPS to protect vulnerable minors.

Summary

House Bill 841 aims to amend various sections of the Texas Family Code that pertain to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill primarily focuses on restructuring the language and statutory references associated with DFPS, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of guardians ad litem, physicians, and other entities involved in child welfare. By clarifying and updating references to DFPS, HB841 seeks to enhance the operational efficacy of this department in addressing matters related to child abuse and family violence.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB841 relate to the implications of increasing DFPS's authority and the impact it may have on local agencies and families. Critics may argue that the bill could centralize power within DFPS, potentially leading to bureaucratic overreach. Concerns also arise about the balance between necessary intervention in cases of family violence and the rights of families, which could be impacted by tighter regulation and monitoring from a state body.