TITLE: Relating to a study by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding establishing a system to identify children born to certain parents.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding establishing a system to identify children born to certain parents.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding establishing a system to identify children born to certain parents. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Section 40.0327 to read as follows: Sec. 40.0327. STUDY TO IDENTIFY BIRTHS TO CERTAIN PARENTS. (a) The department shall study the feasibility of developing and implementing a system that would: (1) cross-reference new birth registrations filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics with the registry of reported cases of child abuse and neglect and other department records to determine whether a child is born to a parent: (A) whose parental rights have been terminated; or (B) who has been convicted of child abuse or neglect that resulted in another child's death; and (2) open a case for a child described by Subdivision (1) to allow the department to: (A) assess the home and living situation of the child; and (B) provide support services to the child and the child's parent. (b) Not later than December 1, 2012, the department shall report its findings and any recommendations for implementing the system to the legislature. (c) This section expires September 1, 2013. 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.