Bill > SB275

This bill modifies the process for handling complaints against the Department of Family and Protective Services by transferring complaint management responsibilities from the department to the Health and Human Services Commission's office of the ombudsman. The bill establishes a uniform statewide process for receiving, tracking, and resolving complaints, including requirements for informing the public about their right to file complaints, developing complaint submission forms, providing regular status updates to complainants, and maintaining a centralized tracking system. The bill requires the tracking system to document key complaint details such as receipt date, complainant name, subject matter, persons contacted, investigation results, and reasons for closing complaints without action. The legislation also encourages local department personnel to attempt to resolve complaints before escalation to the ombudsman's office. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, with rules to be adopted by January 1, 2026, and will apply only to complaints filed on or after January 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB275