Texas House Bill HB3103

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to creating a database of individuals found by the Department of Family and Protective Services to have abused or neglected a child two or more times.

Impact

If implemented, this bill could significantly change how child abuse cases are monitored and addressed in Texas. By creating a specific database, the state will be able to track repeat offenders more effectively, potentially leading to improved child welfare outcomes. However, the implications of maintaining such a database require careful consideration of privacy concerns and the rights of individuals listed within it. The bill specifies that it will not include any information concerning the victims, thereby maintaining a level of confidentiality for the affected children.

Summary

House Bill 3103 aims to establish a comprehensive database managed by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This database will record individuals who have been found to have abused or neglected a child on two or more occasions. The intent behind this legislation is to create a resource that can be accessed by the DFPS employees and local child welfare boards to enhance the protection of children and streamline response protocols to repeated instances of child abuse or neglect.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 3103 may revolve around the measures taken to protect individual rights versus the motivations for enhanced child safety. Advocates argue that a centralized database will help prevent further abuse by identifying and monitoring high-risk individuals, thus better safeguarding children. Opponents might raise concerns about potential misuse of the database, the stigma attached to individuals entered into the system, and the accuracy and fairness of the findings that lead to someone's inclusion in the database.