TITLE: Relating to access to records and certain information in those records regarding a child placed for adoption.

SUMMARY: Relating to access to records and certain information in those records regarding a child placed for adoption.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to access to records and certain information in those records regarding a child placed for adoption. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 162.006, Family Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a) The department, licensed child-placing agency, or other person [ or entity] placing a child for adoption shall inform the prospective adoptive parents of their right to examine the records and other information relating to the history of the child. The department, licensed child-placing agency, or other person [or entity] placing the child for adoption shall edit the records and information to protect the identity of the biological parents and any other person whose identity is confidential. (a-1) The records described by Subsection (a) must include any records relating to an investigation of abuse in which the child was an alleged or confirmed victim of sexual abuse while residing in a foster home or other residential child-care facility. If the licensed child-placing agency or other person placing the child for adoption does not have the information required by this subsection, the department, at the request of the licensed child-placing agency or other person placing the child for adoption, shall provide the information to the prospective adoptive parents of the child. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.