Texas Senate Bill SB1943

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the duty to report child abuse or neglect.

Note

Overall, SB1943 is positioned to strengthen the existing legal framework concerning the protection of children against abuse and neglect, ensuring that professionals adhere strictly to their reporting duties, thereby fostering a more vigilant safeguarding environment.

Impact

The proposed bill amends existing sections of the Family Code related to the reporting of child abuse and neglect. It stipulates that these professionals must file reports immediately upon receiving relevant information regarding potential abuse. This change is significant as it aims to enhance the protection and welfare of children by ensuring that professionals cannot delegate their reporting responsibilities.

Summary

SB1943 addresses the statutory duty of professionals to report instances of child abuse and neglect. The bill specifies the obligation of individuals who have knowledge or suspicions regarding a child’s welfare being detrimentally affected by abuse or neglect. This includes a wide range of professionals such as teachers, healthcare providers, probation officers, and others who regularly interact with children in their professional capacity.

Contention

One key point of contention around SB1943 is the implications it may have on the approach to handling cases of suspected abuse. While proponents of the bill argue that stricter mandatory reporting could lead to greater protection for children, critics may raise concerns about the potential for increased false reporting or the burden placed on professionals, which might deter them from acting in good faith due to fear of repercussions.