TX
Texas House Bill HB4462

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4462

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to transferring data analysis and certain reporting functions from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Texas Tech University System.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4462 is expected to significantly modify the operational landscape of how data is analyzed within the parameters of family and protective services in Texas. The Texas Tech University System will assume responsibilities that were previously under the purview of the DFPS regarding data reporting to the legislature and other statewide officeholders. This bill aims to streamline these reporting functions and could potentially lead to improved data-driven decision-making processes within state programs.

Summary

House Bill 4462 proposes the transfer of data analysis and reporting functions from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to the Texas Tech University System. This strategic shift is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of data handling related to the department's operations, providing the university system with direct access to the department's data and automated case tracking systems. The bill emphasizes the need for a memorandum of understanding between the DFPS and Texas Tech to outline clear operational protocols for this data transfer.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 4462 reflect a generally supportive sentiment, with proponents highlighting the benefits of specialized data analysis through an educational institution like Texas Tech. Advocates assert that this move could facilitate more rigorous scrutiny of data and better-informed legislative responses. However, there may be concerns about the adequacy of oversight and the implications of transferring such responsibilities away from the DFPS, focusing on whether it could impact the accountability standards maintained by the department.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise regarding the transparency and accessibility of data once it is under the management of Texas Tech, particularly for stakeholders in the child welfare and protective services sector. Critics might argue whether the shift effectively diminishes the DFPS's role in ensuring the integrity of data reporting and whether a university setting is the most appropriate environment for such functions. The reliance on a memorandum of understanding also brings into question the enforceability and clarity of the expectations regarding data management.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 40. Department Of Family And Protective Services
    • Section: New Section

Family Code

  • Chapter 264. Child Welfare Services
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB497

Relating to the creation of an office of data analytics in the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB249

Relating to investigations of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation and to child protective services functions of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB2660

Relating to the functions of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and transferring certain department functions to the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.

TX SB653

Relating to abolishing the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and transferring the powers and duties of those agencies to the newly created Texas Juvenile Justice Department and to the functions of the independent ombudsman that serves the department.

TX HB3370

Relating to the privatization of certain child protective services functions of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB1915

Relating to abolishing the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and transferring the powers and duties of those agencies to the newly created Texas Juvenile Justice Department and to the functions of the independent ombudsman that serves the department.

TX HB5

Relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the transfer of certain powers and duties from the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX HB1181

Relating to abolishing the Texas Department of Rural Affairs and transferring its functions to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Department of State Health Services, and Department of Agriculture.

TX SB2176

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.