TX
Texas House Bill HB1097

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1097

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

Caption

Relating to the duty of certain professionals to report child abuse or neglect.

Impact

The legislative intent behind HB 1097 is to close gaps in reporting on child abuse cases, ensuring that children receive the protection they need as swiftly as possible. By mandating that a diverse group of professionals, including teachers, medical staff, and board members of various organizations, report abuse, the bill aims to create a more vigilant community that actively participates in safeguarding children. However, it may also impose an increased burden on professionals who must now be more attentive to potential signs of abuse and understand their reporting obligations more thoroughly.

Summary

House Bill 1097 updates the Family Code relating to the obligation of certain professionals to report instances of child abuse or neglect. Under this bill, any licensed or certified professional who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or is a potential victim of abuse must report their findings. This obligation must be fulfilled within 48 hours of when the professional first suspects the abuse. The bill emphasizes that the responsibility to report cannot be delegated to another individual, reinforcing the direct accountability of the professional experiencing the situation. This change enhances the state's commitment to child protection by ensuring timely reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.

Contention

Although the bill primarily aims to protect children, there may be concerns regarding the breadth of the reporting requirements imposed on professionals. Some critics might argue that the law could lead to over-reporting, placing unnecessary pressure on agencies already stretched thin by case loads. Additionally, there could be debate surrounding the definitions within the bill, such as what constitutes 'reasonable cause,' which may lead to inconsistencies in reporting and actions across different jurisdictions within Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

  • Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1667

Relating to the reporting of child abuse or neglect.

TX HB63

Relating to reports of child abuse or neglect and certain preliminary investigations of those reports.

TX HB1532

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and to the abuse of a child.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3143

Relating to the reporting requirement for certain prohibited conduct by an employee of a public school and the definitions of abuse and neglect of a child.

TX HB2029

Relating to the definitions of abuse and neglect of a child.

TX SB1611

Relating to the definitions of abuse and neglect of a child.

TX SB515

Relating to investigations of child abuse and neglect and the procedures for adding names to or removing names from the central registry of child abuse and neglect.

TX HB4696

Relating to the reporting and investigation of certain allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, the making and investigation of complaints alleging violations of certain health facility licensing requirements, and the content of the employee misconduct registry.

TX SB1318

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the notice provided by peace officers to adult victims of family violence.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.