By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 673
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the reporting and investigating certain causes of child
abuse or neglect involving a pregnant woman's use of a controlled
substance.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 261.101, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows:
(b-2) A professional providing prenatal, mental health, or
other medical care to a woman who voluntarily discloses to the
professional that the woman illegally used a controlled substance,
as defined by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, during pregnancy
is not required to make a report under this section if:
(1) the woman provides proof that:
(A) she is currently enrolled in or has recently
completed a substance abuse treatment program; or
(B) she made reasonable efforts to enroll in a
substance abuse treatment program within five days after the date
she made a disclosure described by this subsection; or
(2) the professional determines:
(A) there is no immediate risk of harm to the
child from the exposure to the controlled substance; and
(B) the woman does not otherwise pose an
immediate risk of harm to the child.
SECTION 2. Section 261.301, Family Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as
follows:
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), with [With]
assistance from the appropriate state or local law enforcement
agency as provided by this section, the department shall make a
prompt and thorough investigation of a report of child abuse or
neglect allegedly committed by a person responsible for a child's
care, custody, or welfare. The investigation shall be conducted
without regard to any pending suit affecting the parent-child
relationship.
(a-1) The department may not investigate a report of child
abuse or neglect allegedly committed by a woman based on the woman's
illegal use of a controlled substance, as defined by Chapter 481,
Health and Safety Code, during pregnancy if the woman enrolls in and
successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program under
the supervision of the referring or treating professional.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.