HBA-DMD, RBT H.B. 3778 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3778
By: Luna, Vilma
Human Services
10/19/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

H.B. 3778 requires the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, in
each region of the state, to employ at least one child protective services
investigations coordinator who is required to focus on child abuse and
neglect investigation issues and the department's effectiveness in
providing for the protection of children.  This bill sets forth the duties
of the investigations coordinator. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, by adding
Section 261.3125, as follows: 

Sec.  261.3125.  INVESTIGATIONS COORDINATOR.  Requires the Department of
Protective and Regulatory Services (department), in each region of the
department, to employ at least one child protective services investigations
coordinator who must focus only on child abuse and neglect investigation
issues, including reports of child abuse required by Section 261.101
(Persons Required to Report; Time to Report), Family Code, to achieve a
greater compliance with that section, and on assessing and improving the
effectiveness of the department in providing for the protection of children
in the region.  Sets forth the duties of the investigations coordinator. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.