TX
Texas House Bill HB4209

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4209

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

Caption

Relating to a report of child abuse or neglect made by an employee of a school district or an open-enrollment charter school.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4209 would significantly impact the way in which allegations of child abuse and neglect are reported within the state’s educational framework. The bill mandates that employees be required to report potential abuse not only to the Department of Family and Protective Services but also to local or state law enforcement agencies depending on the nature of the evidence. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen the investigation process and ensure that cases of abuse are addressed more promptly and effectively.

Summary

House Bill 4209 is a legislative proposal that amends existing statutes concerning the reporting of child abuse or neglect by employees of school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. It specifically addresses the processes and responsibilities of educational institutions regarding the reporting of such incidents, including situations related to child trafficking. The proposed changes entail that these employees must develop a policy to guide their reporting duties in alignment with state law requirements.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention related to this bill, particularly surrounding the implications of mandatory reporting and the cooperative policies mandated between schools and law enforcement. Some education advocates express concerns that such requirements could lead to over-reporting and potentially deter individuals from disclosing information for fear of legal repercussions or mistrust among families. Furthermore, stakeholders may discuss the adequacy of resources for law enforcement agencies to handle increased reporting requirements effectively.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 38. Health And Safety
    • Section: New Section

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 HB4977

Relating to the operation of open-enrollment charter schools, including enrollment procedures and the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.

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 HB1667

Relating to the reporting of child abuse or neglect.

TX HB516

Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.

TX SB472

Relating to the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB128

Relating to the exemption of certain school district and open-enrollment charter school employees from jury service.

TX SB1781

Relating to health coverage for school district and open-enrollment charter school employees under interlocal contracts.

TX HB107

Relating to the prohibition on instruction and certain activities regarding sexual orientation or gender identity provided or allowed by school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and district and charter school employees.

TX HB20

Relating to the prohibition on instruction and certain activities regarding sexual orientation or gender identity provided or allowed by school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and district and charter school employees.

TX HB4045

Relating to the donation of food by a school district or open-enrollment charter school.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.