H.B. No. 802




AN ACT
relating to the investigation of certain reports of child abuse and neglect. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 261.3012 to read as follows: Sec. 261.3012. COMPLETION OF PAPERWORK. An employee of the department who responds to a report that is assigned the highest priority in accordance with department rules adopted under Section 261.301(d) shall identify, to the extent reasonable under the circumstances, forms and other paperwork that can be completed by members of the family of the child who is the subject of the report. The department employee shall request the assistance of the child's family members in completing that documentation but remains responsible for ensuring that the documentation is completed in an appropriate manner. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 802 was passed by the House on April 5, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 802 was passed by the Senate on May 5, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor