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SB 85

Relating to investigations of child abuse and neglect and the procedures for adding names to or removing names from the central registry of child abuse and neglect.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall and 1 co-sponsor

SB 85 reforms Texas child abuse investigation procedures and central registry protocols for adding/removing names, affecting child protection screening and individuals' employment eligibility.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#childabuse(s4256) #expunctionofrecords(s0189) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #recordsmanagement(s0205)
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Bill Summary · SB 85

Legislative bill overview

SB 85 modifies Texas procedures governing investigations of child abuse and neglect, and establishes processes for adding individuals to or removing them from the state's central registry of child abuse and neglect. The bill addresses how the state handles perpetrator identification, registry management, and the administrative mechanisms for maintaining these records.

Why is this important

The central registry is a critical tool for child protection, used by schools, childcare facilities, and employers to screen individuals working with children. Changes to how names are added or removed directly affect who can work in child-serving positions and influence the accuracy of protective records. This impacts both child safety practices and individuals' ability to work in certain fields.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Removal procedures from the registry involve significant career consequences; clarity on what evidence standards and appeal mechanisms apply is contested between child protection advocates and individual rights proponents
  • Investigation standards: Defining what constitutes substantiated abuse versus unsubstantiated allegations affects how aggressively cases proceed and how difficult removal from the registry becomes
  • Employer access and privacy: Balancing public access to registry information for safety screening against privacy protections for accused individuals with unproven allegations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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