Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1502

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

Caption

Relating to the creation of the child and adult protective investigations advisory committee in the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The formation of this advisory committee is intended to standardize investigative practices across Texas, thereby improving due process rights for those involved in abuse investigations. The bill requires the committee to make policy recommendations that aim at ensuring fair treatment regardless of an individual’s race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. Furthermore, it mandates annual reports that will provide transparency into the number of investigations, case dispositions, and the challenges faced in standardizing investigative processes.

Summary

House Bill 1502 aims to establish the Child and Adult Protective Investigations Advisory Committee within the Department of Family and Protective Services in Texas. The purpose of this committee is to enhance the accuracy and consistency of investigative legal requirements and department policies during investigations related to child and adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill outlines the committee's responsibilities, which include advising the department on developing effective training, creating a uniform investigative model, and increasing public input on problems related to investigations.

Contention

While the bill seeks to create a more structured approach to investigations, potential points of contention may arise regarding the balance of power, particularly how the advisory committee interacts with existing agency protocols and local jurisdictions. There may also be concerns related to resource allocation for training and support, and the effectiveness of the committee in addressing the complexities of abuse investigations. The need for regular public testimony and archived meetings can promote accountability but may also raise questions over the accessibility of these proceedings to all stakeholders, especially those involved in sensitive cases.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Human Resources Code

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

Companion Bills

TX SB425

Identical Relating to the creation of the child and adult protective investigations advisory committee in the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB140

Same As Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2525

Relating to creating the Family and Protective Services Board.

TX HB730

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations by the Department of Family and Protective Services, and parental child safety placements.

TX HB5176

Relating to an annual report published by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding child protective services.

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.

TX HB5193

Relating to certain procedures in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB4049

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.

TX SB1853

Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship for a child placed in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the provision of family preservation services and community-based foster care.

TX HB635

Relating to notifying an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect of the person's rights in connection with an investigation conducted by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2109

Relating to the appointment of a guardian ad litem in certain suits filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB3692

Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services' annual report of key performance measures and data elements for child protection; authorizing a penalty.

Similar Bills

TX SB425

Relating to the creation of the child and adult protective investigations advisory committee in the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB140

Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.

CA SB321

Employment safety standards: advisory committee: household domestic services.

CA SB1257

Employment safety standards: household domestic services.

NJ S3754

Establishes "Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee" in DHS; makes appropriation.

NJ A5638

Establishes "Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee" in DHS; makes appropriation.

TX HB4301

Relating to the financial crimes intelligence center, including the establishment of an advisory committee and grants supporting the investigation and prosecution of certain offenses.

ME LD1893

An Act to Establish an Independent Office of the Child Advocate