The bill, S.B. No. 1195, introduces a new subchapter to Chapter 261 of the Family Code, specifically addressing the procedures for removing names from the central registry of child abuse and neglect. It establishes definitions, including what constitutes the "central registry," and outlines the creation of expungement review panels tasked with reviewing requests for name removal. The bill specifies the composition of these panels, the qualifications for members, and the confidentiality of the information they handle. It also sets forth the process for individuals to request removal, including timelines and eligibility criteria, such as the requirement that a person must wait two years after being added to the registry before making a request.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that individuals who have been found to have engaged in child abuse or neglect are ineligible for review under certain circumstances, such as if the incident resulted in a child fatality or if there are subsequent findings of abuse. The expungement review panel is required to hold hearings and render decisions within specified timeframes, and it must consider various factors when making its decision. The bill also includes provisions for automatic removal of names after a certain period and emphasizes the confidentiality of the review process. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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