Texas Senate Bill SB1388

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an employee database for child-care facilities and registered family homes.

Impact

The implications of SB 1388 are notable as it directly affects the regulatory framework surrounding child-care services in Texas. By establishing this employee database, the bill seeks to empower parents and guardians through access to pertinent information that could influence their choice of care providers. The bill also imposes a collaborative requirement on the commission to work with other state agencies to efficiently identify employees with revoked licenses, thereby enhancing the integrity of child-care supervision and regulation.

Summary

Senate Bill 1388 is an initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and security of child-care facilities and registered family homes in Texas. The bill mandates the creation of a searchable employee database that will include the names of employees who have violated minimum standards, leading to injury or death, or who have had their licenses revoked by state agencies. This database will be maintained by the commission and made accessible to the public via their website. The purpose of the bill is to foster transparency and accountability within child-care facilities, ensuring that families can make informed decisions about the care of their children.

Contention

However, the introduction of this bill may not be without controversy. While proponents argue that it increases child safety and accountability, opponents might raise concerns regarding privacy rights and the potential for misuse of information. There could be apprehensions about how the data is presented, whether it could unjustly affect the employment of individuals who may have had minor infractions in their past. The balance between public safety and personal privacy will likely be a central theme in the discourse surrounding SB 1388.