Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

1 bill that modify the Family Code

A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws

A Bit of Background

The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Summary of 88th Legislature Laws

The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.

Blog Summary

SB 1447 - Training program for those investigating suspected child abuse or neglect

1 bill that modify the Family Code

Published: 2025-05-13

SB 1447

Training program for those investigating suspected child abuse or neglect

A training program must include instruction on the following:

1. proper definitions of abuse and neglect under law;
2. options for abbreviated investigation or administrative closure;
3. notice to an alleged perpetrator of the right to record an interview;
4. notice of the right to request administrative review of the findings;
5. investigative standards, including case file documentation;
6. required assessment of proposed relative or designated caregiver placement;
7. policies on investigation dispositions and risk findings that is appropriate to the type of investigation;
8. policy on identifying potential relative placement before an adversary hearing;
9. policy on notifying kinship provider of appeal process for denied home assessment for potential placement;
10. procedures for defining, identifying, and supporting capabilities of those 13 or older;
11. burdens of proof for evaluation and production of evidence;
12. rights provided by Fourth Amendment, manner of informing of these rights, and search and seizure elements;
13. information on available community resources to avoid referral delays

The program should also include training on forensic investigate techniques and protocols. These would include the following:

1. techniques for investigative interviews of alleged perpetrators and witnesses to the alleged abuse or neglect;
2. techniques for searching and identifying witnesses and collateral sources who may have information regarding the allegations;
3. protocols for scaling alleged abuse or neglect marking and injuries;
4. protocols for photographing alleged abuse or neglect markings and scenes;
5. techniques for reconstructing events and statements using timelines;
6. protocols for collecting and packaging evidence;
7. protocols for using notes, photographs, and timelines to accurately represent events;
8. methods for analyzing and applying forensic evidence, and possible signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect;
9. procedures for analyzing and applying forensic avidence to statutory standards, including the burden of proof

Each investigator shall take a test to understand the knowledge and competency of the information. An investigator cannot be assigned to investigate until they have completed the program and passed the test.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.