85R1607 MK-D
By: Wu H.B. No. 689
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the determination of intellectual disability for
children in foster care.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 264.1075, Family Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
(b) As soon as possible after a child begins receiving
foster care under this subchapter, the department shall assess
whether the child has a developmental or intellectual disability.
The department may assess a child for a developmental or
intellectual disability only once during the period of time that
the child receives foster care.
(c) If the assessment required by Subsection (b) indicates
that the child might have an intellectual disability, the
department shall ensure that a determination of intellectual
disability is conducted by an authorized provider before the date
of the child's 16th birthday. If the child began receiving foster
care after the child's 16th birthday, the determination of
intellectual disability must be conducted as soon as possible after
the assessment required by Subsection (b). In this subsection,
"authorized provider" has the meaning assigned by Section 593.004,
Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.