Texas House Bill HB1206

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding certain children who are reported to be missing.

Impact

The impact of HB1206 is substantial as it aims to enhance the protective measures for children who go missing. It ensures that law enforcement agencies are not merely passive recipients of missing person reports but are proactive in their response. Moreover, if law enforcement has reason to suspect abuse or neglect, they are required to notify the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and may take custody of the child if necessary. This change in law is geared towards providing a more effective and immediate response to the potential dangers faced by missing children.

Summary

House Bill 1206 establishes new protocols for law enforcement agencies in Texas regarding their responsibilities when dealing with reports of missing children. The bill specifically mandates that if a local law enforcement agency receives a report of a child missing for not less than 48 hours, they are required to make a reasonable effort to locate the child and assess their well-being. This is particularly significant for cases where there are indications that the child could be a victim of abuse or neglect, as defined by Texas Family Code.

Contention

While the bill presents a clearer framework for addressing cases of missing children, there may be concerns about the implications of increased authority for law enforcement in child custody matters. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to overreach by law enforcement, potentially resulting in unnecessary investigations or removals of children from their homes. Nonetheless, proponents of the bill stress the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their safety, viewing the measures in HB1206 as a necessary step towards better oversight and intervention in cases of suspected abuse.