The bill, S.B. No. 300, aims to enhance the exchange of information between the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or its foster care contractors and state or local juvenile justice agencies. It amends Section 58.0052(b-3) of the Family Code to require that, upon request from a juvenile justice agency, DFPS or its contractors must share relevant information immediately, rather than within 14 business days as previously mandated. The bill expands the categories of youth for whom information must be shared, adding those whose parental rights have been terminated to the existing list of criteria.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 243.008(c) of the Human Resources Code, stipulating that DFPS must provide information about a child in the custody of a juvenile justice agency immediately upon request. This includes whether the child is currently or has been in foster care and the number of previous placements in foster care. The changes will apply only to requests made after the bill's effective date, with requests made prior governed by the previous law. The bill is set to take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 243.008 (Human Resources Code 243)