H.B. No. 140 introduces significant reforms to the advisory bodies associated with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill establishes a new Child Protective Investigations Advisory Committee, which will focus on improving the accuracy and standardization of investigative processes related to child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This new committee will replace the existing Family and Protective Services Council, with the bill removing references to the council in various sections of the Government Code and Health and Safety Code. The committee will consist of members appointed by state leaders and stakeholders with relevant experience, and it is tasked with making recommendations to enhance investigative practices, ensuring due process, and facilitating public input.

Additionally, the bill requires the DFPS to publish a comprehensive report on its website detailing metrics related to child abuse and neglect investigations for the two fiscal years prior to the report's publication. This report will include various statistics and information aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. The bill also sets an expiration date for the advisory committee section on September 1, 2029, and amends provisions in the Human Resources Code regarding the selection of external auditors, eliminating references to a council. The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025, with certain provisions becoming effective on September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 521.0003, Government Code 531.0012, Health and Safety Code 552.103, Human Resources Code 40.002, Human Resources Code 40.004, Human Resources Code 40.045 (Health and Safety Code 552, Government Code 521, Human Resources Code 40, Government Code 531)
Enrolled: Government Code 521.0003, Health and Safety Code 552.103, Human Resources Code 40.002, Human Resources Code 40.004, Human Resources Code 40.045 (Health and Safety Code 552, Government Code 521, Human Resources Code 40, Government Code 531)