TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1971

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1971

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

Caption

Relating to admissibility and disclosure of certain evidence in a suit concerning a child alleged to have been abused or neglected or to be at risk of abuse or neglect filed by a governmental entity.

Impact

The implications of SB1971 extend to the admissibility of statements in cases handled by governmental entities. It adds layers of protection for individuals in treatment, restricting how their disclosures during therapy can impact legal proceedings. By safeguarding the confidentiality of these statements, the bill might encourage more individuals to engage in necessary treatment without fear of judicial repercussions. Moreover, it shifts the focus towards ensuring corroborated evidence is necessary before an individual can be subjected to legal disadvantage based on out-of-court statements.

Summary

Senate Bill 1971 introduces amendments to the Family Code of Texas, specifically focusing on legal proceedings involving children alleged to have been abused or neglected, or at risk of such circumstances. The bill ensures that statements made by individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders or mental health issues are not admissible as evidence against them in court settings regarding these allegations. This change aims to protect vulnerable individuals seeking help from having their treatments used against them in judicial circumstances.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1971 will likely include discussions on the balance between protecting victims of child abuse and negligence while also providing fair treatment to individuals undergoing mental health or substance use disorder evaluations. Some may argue that this bill could hinder investigations by complicating the evidentiary process, leading to challenges in securing necessary convictions against actual perpetrators of abuse. However, proponents assert that these protections are crucial to support individuals' rights and encourage recovery from addiction and mental health issues.

Final_thoughts

As SB1971 progresses, it will be critical to monitor stakeholders' positions—particularly in the realms of child welfare advocates, legal entities, and mental health professionals—to assess the overall effectiveness of these amendments in actual legal practice.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

  • Chapter 104. Evidence
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 301. Discovery Procedures For Civil Actions
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB3758

Identical Relating to admissibility and disclosure of certain evidence in a civil suit concerning a child alleged to have been abused or neglected or to be at risk of abuse or neglect filed by a governmental entity.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1269

Relating to admissibility and disclosure of certain evidence in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB2572

Relating to the central registry of names of individuals found to have abused or neglected a child.

TX HB3204

Relating to the central registry of names of individuals found to have abused or neglected a child.

TX SB1472

Relating to the central registry of names of individuals found to have abused or neglected 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 HB968

Relating to procedures in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by 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 HB1667

Relating to the reporting of child abuse or neglect.

TX HB4850

Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB3758

Relating to admissibility and disclosure of certain evidence in a civil suit concerning a child alleged to have been abused or neglected or to be at risk of abuse or neglect filed by a governmental entity.

TX HB4033

Relating to the provision of assistance by the Texas Ethics Commission in the reporting of political contributions and expenditures made in connection with offices of and measures proposed by local governmental entities and of expenditures made in connection with attempts to influence the actions of local governmental entities.

TX HB3924

Relating to the provision of assistance by the Texas Ethics Commission in the reporting of political contributions and expenditures made in connection with offices of and measures proposed by local governmental entities.

TX HB3033

Relating to the public information law.

TX SB2242

Relating to the provision of assistance by the Texas Ethics Commission in the reporting of political contributions and expenditures made in connection with offices of and measures proposed by local governmental entities.

TX HB474

Relating to an optional procedure for the issuance of a permit by a certain regional mobility authority for the movement of oversize or overweight vehicles carrying cargo; authorizing a fee.

TX SB703

Relating to the reporting by local governmental entities of expenditures for lobbying; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB266

Relating to regulating the provision of benefits and services to, and the verification of the employment status of, immigrants and to enforcing laws relating to immigrants; providing civil and criminal penalties.