The bill amends Article 63.00905(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies regarding missing children. It mandates that upon receiving a report of a missing child, agencies must immediately initiate an investigation and enter the child's information into various databases, including the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, within two hours. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to submit relevant information to local law enforcement agencies within 200 miles and to inform the reporting individual about the actions taken regarding the missing child's information.
Furthermore, the bill repeals a previous version of Article 63.00905(a) that was deemed duplicative, ensuring that the updated reporting requirements are streamlined and effective. The changes aim to improve the response time and coordination among law enforcement agencies in cases of missing children, ultimately enhancing the chances of locating these children quickly. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.