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Bill

HB 2665

Relating to notification and disclosure of records and information concerning an investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect to county or district attorneys.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Gary VanDeaver

Requires Texas child protective services to disclose abuse/neglect investigation records to prosecutors, potentially expediting criminal cases but raising child privacy concerns.

Left pending in committee
#childabuse(s4256) #courts--prosecutingattorneys(i0165) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--parent&child(i0355) #minors--health&safety(i0533)
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Bill Summary · HB 2665

Legislative bill overview

HB 2665 would require the disclosure and notification of child abuse and neglect investigation records and information to county or district attorneys in Texas. The bill appears to establish or clarify protocols for how child protective services shares investigative details with prosecutors, potentially expanding attorney access to sensitive case materials.

Why is this important

Child abuse investigations involve vulnerable populations and confidential family information. How—and when—these records are shared with law enforcement and prosecutors directly affects case prosecution, victim privacy, and parental rights. The bill could accelerate criminal prosecution of suspected abusers or conversely raise privacy concerns for families under investigation.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. prosecution balance: Expanding disclosure may improve criminal case outcomes but could compromise confidentiality protections for families and children, particularly in cases later determined to involve no abuse
  • Scope of disclosure: Unclear whether all investigative materials would be shared (including child interviews, medical records, family information) or only findings, affecting what attorneys can access
  • Timing and notification requirements: The bill's specific requirements about when and how attorneys are notified could either facilitate prosecution or create administrative burdens depending on implementation details

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

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