TITLE: Relating to the contents of the annual child fatality report published by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

SUMMARY: Relating to the contents of the annual child fatality report published by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the contents of the annual child fatality report published by the Department of Family and Protective Services. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 261.204(b), Family Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) The report published under Subsection (a) must: (1) accurately represent all abuse-related and neglect-related child fatalities in this state, including child fatalities investigated under Subchapter F, Chapter 264, and other child fatalities investigated by the department; [and] (2) aggregate the fatalities by investigative findings and case disposition, including the following dispositions: (A) abuse and neglect ruled out; (B) unable to determine cause of death; (C) reason to believe abuse or neglect occurred; (D) reason to believe abuse or neglect contributed to child's death; (E) unable to complete review; and (F) administrative closure;and (3) aggregate the fatalities by cause of death, if determinable, including: (A) accidental drowning or submersion; (B) assault by drowning or submersion; (C) discharge of a firearm; (D) drug overdose; (E) assault by other physical means, including strangulation or suffocation; (F) accidental suffocation; (G) exposure to smoke, fire, or flames; (H) malnutrition; (I) deprivation of medical care; (J) motor vehicle accident; (K) heatstroke caused by being left in a motor vehicle; or (L) sudden infant death syndrome.SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.