Texas House Bill HB67

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to collecting data regarding unaccompanied minors in certain child-care facilities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 67 is expected to provide a clearer picture of the demographics and needs of unaccompanied minors in the state's child-care system. By collecting this data, the state aims to improve its understanding of this vulnerable population, which may lead to better resource allocation and targeted services. The confidential nature of the information collected ensures that sensitive details about the minors are protected, aligning with broader privacy concerns in handling data related to children.

Summary

House Bill 67 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the data collection process regarding unaccompanied minors in specific child-care facilities throughout Texas. The bill establishes a requirement for the Department of Family and Protective Services to gather certain statistics related to these minors. This data will include demographic information such as gender, age, country of origin, and information pertaining to any disabilities, as well as whether the facility caters predominantly to children under the age of five.

Contention

One potential point of contention regarding HB 67 is the balance between the need for data collection and the protection of individual privacy rights. While proponents of the bill argue that such data is crucial for improving services for unaccompanied minors, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of data collection on these children's privacy and the possibility of misuse of their information. As the bill aims to amend existing legislation, the discussions during its deliberation will likely evaluate both the necessity for data and the ethical implications tied to its collection.