S.B. No. 596 aims to enhance the reporting requirements for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) regarding child placements and legal actions. The bill amends Sections 264.017(b) and (f) of the Family Code to include additional data points in the annual report provided to the legislature and made available to the public. Notably, the report will now include information on the outcomes of suits filed by the department and the type of placement of children during the pendency of these suits. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the department publish a monthly report detailing various statistics related to parental child safety placement agreements, including the number of children placed, their demographics, and the average duration of such placements.

In addition to these new reporting requirements, the bill also removes certain existing reporting obligations, streamlining the information that DFPS must provide. The changes are designed to improve transparency and accountability in the child welfare system, ensuring that critical data regarding child safety and the effectiveness of protective services is readily accessible to lawmakers and the public. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.017 (Family Code 264)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 264.017 (Family Code 264)
Engrossed: Family Code 264.017 (Family Code 264)
House Committee Report: Family Code 264.017 (Family Code 264)