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TX SB2785

TX SB2785
Relating to notification and disclosure of records and information concerning an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect to county or district attorneys.


summary

Introduced
03/14/2025
In Committee
05/21/2025
Crossed Over
05/13/2025
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to notification and disclosure of records and information concerning an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect to county or district attorneys.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Texas Family Code to enhance the process by which county and district attorneys can access information about child abuse and neglect investigations. The bill allows county or district attorneys to request notifications about reports of suspected child abuse or neglect in their county and receive copies of those reports. More significantly, the bill creates a detailed mechanism for attorneys to request investigation reports when specific serious criminal offenses against children have occurred, such as murder, sexual assault, trafficking, child pornography, and other violent or sexual crimes. When such a request is made after a person's arrest, the department must provide the full investigation report and all available information within 30 days, including confidential information. The bill also stipulates that these investigation reports and information can only be used for specific criminal procedure purposes and cannot be publicly released under open records laws. The provisions are designed to improve communication and collaboration between child protective services and prosecutors in cases involving serious crimes against children, with the law set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Placed on General State Calendar (on 05/26/2025)

bill text


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