Texas Senate Bill SB195

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to collecting and reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission of certain information relating to certain alcohol and controlled substance use and treatment.

Impact

The bill's implementation would lead to more systematic data collection regarding children affected by substance abuse, which would inform state policies and programs. The requirements include annual reporting, allowing for better visibility into the prevalence of prenatal exposure cases and the subsequent support needed for affected children and families. By making this data publicly accessible, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in how these cases are handled in Texas.

Summary

SB195 addresses the collection and reporting of information related to alcohol and controlled substance use, particularly concerning children and their parents, by the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission. The bill mandates that the Department collects specific data on instances where children are born with exposure to controlled substances and includes the requirement to track the health history of children, noting whether their birth mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. This initiative aims to improve the state's understanding and management of prenatal substance exposure and its implications for child health and welfare.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards SB195 appears supportive among legislators focused on child welfare and health care. The unanimous votes in both the Senate and the House suggest a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of addressing the issues of substance exposure in newborns. By highlighting the need for better data, proponents of the bill underscore a crucial aspect of public health and resource allocation. However, there could also be concerns surrounding the implications of increased reporting for families and potential stigmatization of parents affected by substance use.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the privacy and legal ramifications for parents whose children are affected by substance exposure. Additionally, the implementation will depend on adequate funding and resources for the Department to effectively manage this increased data collection. The balance between protecting child welfare and respecting family privacy will be an ongoing point of consideration as the bill is enacted and put into practice.