TX
Texas House Bill HB2495

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2495

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

Caption

Relating to reporting child abuse and neglect and to training regarding recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect at schools, institutions of higher education, and other entities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2495 would significantly impact existing state laws by explicitly requiring educational institutions to adopt strategies that support the protection of children against abuse and neglect. By mandating training on recognizing signs of abuse, the bill promotes a prevention-oriented approach, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and timely reporting. This aligns with broader efforts to improve child welfare and establish a supportive systemic response across all levels of education, enhancing the safety of students within these environments.

Summary

House Bill 2495 aims to enhance the protocols for reporting child abuse and neglect within the state's educational institutions, including schools and colleges. The bill mandates that educational entities, such as school districts and institutions of higher education, develop comprehensive policies for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect as outlined in Chapter 261 of the Family Code. Moreover, training programs regarding recognizing and reporting such incidents will be required for employees at these institutions to ensure that they are equipped to respond appropriately to potential cases of maltreatment or abuse.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support due to its focus on improving child safety, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility and resources needed for schools to implement these policies effectively. Educators and school administrators might express apprehensions about the additional training requirements impacting their operational budgets and timeframes, especially in districts that are already stretched thin. The discussion around this bill may also include debates on the adequacy of existing resources for training and the potential for increased reporting responsibilities to overwhelm staff, suggesting a need for accompanying support systems and funding to facilitate successful enforcement of these new requirements.

Latest HB2495 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SB939

Identical Relating to reporting child abuse and neglect and to training regarding recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect at schools, institutions of higher education, and other entities.

Similar Bills

TX SB471

Relating to public school, child-placing agency, and day-care center policies addressing sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children.

TX HB1114

Relating to public school, child-placing agency, and day-care center policies addressing sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children.

AR SB492

To Allow For An Alternative To The Requirement For Notarization Of Requests For Adult And Long-term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Registry Checks And Child Maltreatment Registry Checks; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB213

To Expand The Availability Of Screened-out Reports Of Adult Maltreatment Or Long-term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment.

TX SB939

Relating to reporting child abuse and neglect and to training regarding recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect at schools, institutions of higher education, and other entities.

TX HB111

Relating to public school policy and training for public school employees addressing the prevention of sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and other maltreatment of certain children.

AR HB1560

To Clarify The Law Regarding Reports Of Child Maltreatment With Alleged Victims Who Are Eighteen Years Of Age Or Older; To Prohibit Anonymous Reporting Of Child Maltreatment; And To Amend Penalties For Failure To Report Child Maltreatment.