Senate Bill No. 2785, introduced by Birdwell and VanDeaver, amends Section 261.1055 of the Family Code to enhance the notification and disclosure process regarding child abuse or neglect investigations to county or district attorneys. The bill allows these attorneys to request notification of reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children within their jurisdiction. Upon receiving such a request, the Department of Family and Protective Services is required to notify the attorney immediately upon receipt of a report and to provide a copy of the report upon request.

Additionally, the bill specifies that if the investigation involves offenses against a child as outlined in various sections of the Penal Code, the county or district attorney may request a copy of the investigation report and any available information. The Department must comply with this request within 30 days. Furthermore, the information provided to the attorneys is protected from public release and can only be disclosed for specific legal purposes. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 261.1055 (Family Code 261)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 261.1055 (Family Code 261)
Engrossed: Family Code 261.1055 (Family Code 261)
House Committee Report: Family Code 261.1055 (Family Code 261)