HB 2070
AN ACT relating to a required court finding of abuse or neglect before an
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Prevents the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services from adding an individual's name to the central child abuse or neglect registry without a court order specifically finding abuse or neglect. The change requires a final court ruling in a civil, criminal, or juvenile proceeding to confirm the alleged abuse before an individual can be listed, providing additional due process protections. The law will apply to findings made on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring individuals cannot be added to the registry based solely on a departmental determination without judicial confirmation.
Bill Text
relating to a required court finding of abuse or neglect before an individual's name is added to the central child abuse or neglect BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 261.002, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: (a-1) The department may not add to the central registry maintained under this section the name of an individual found by the department to have abused or neglected a child unless a court of competent jurisdiction enters a final order in a civil, criminal, or juvenile proceeding in which the court finds the individual SECTION 2. Section 261.002(a-1), Family Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a finding that an individual abused or neglected a child made by the Department of Family and Protective Services on or after the effective date of this Act. A finding made by the department before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the finding was made, and the former law is continued in SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to a required court finding of abuse or neglect before an
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.