Texas Senate Bill SB564

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB564 is expected to enhance the state's ability to monitor and understand the demographics and needs of unaccompanied minors in child-care settings, thereby ensuring better resource allocation and program development to support this vulnerable population. By collecting this information, the state aims to create policies and programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by these children and the facilities caring for them.

Summary

Senate Bill 564, sponsored by Senator Rodríguez, is designed to improve the collection of critical data regarding unaccompanied minors in certain child-care facilities within Texas. The bill mandates that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) collect specific statistical information about each unaccompanied minor cared for in residential child-care facilities. This data includes the child’s gender, age, country of origin, presence of disabilities, and whether the facility caters primarily to children under the age of five.

Contention

While the bill is primarily seen as a positive step toward better data transparency and accountability in the care of unaccompanied minors, there are concerns regarding the confidentiality of the data collected. The bill stipulates that identifying information shall remain confidential and not be disclosed under Texas's public information laws. This aspect raises discussions on the balance between accountability and privacy, and whether enough safeguards are in place to protect sensitive data while still ensuring that child-care facilities are held to proper standards.