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HB 330

Relating to reporting and investigating certain cases of child abuse or neglect involving a pregnant person's use of a controlled substance.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Meza

HB 330 mandates reporting and investigation of child abuse/neglect cases involving pregnant persons' controlled substance use in Texas.

Placed on General State Calendar
#alcoholism&drugabuse(i0030) #childabuse(s4256) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #pregnancy&childbirth(s0294) #women(i0925)
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Bill Summary · HB 330

Legislative bill overview

HB 330 establishes reporting and investigation procedures for cases where a pregnant person's use of controlled substances may constitute child abuse or neglect. The bill clarifies when such situations must be reported to child protective services and defines the investigative standards that apply to these cases.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a significant gap in child welfare policy by creating explicit protocols for a sensitive intersection of pregnancy, substance use, and child protection. It affects pregnant individuals facing addiction, medical professionals' obligations, and how child welfare agencies respond to prenatal substance exposure cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Criminalization vs. treatment concerns: Mandatory reporting may deter pregnant people from seeking medical help or addiction treatment if they fear child welfare involvement or criminal prosecution
  • Defining "abuse or neglect": Disagreement exists over whether prenatal substance exposure alone constitutes abuse/neglect or whether additional harm must be demonstrated
  • Maternal rights and autonomy: Balancing the state's interest in fetal/child protection against pregnant individuals' medical privacy and bodily autonomy rights
  • Resource allocation: Investigation and intervention resources may strain already-overburdened child protective services agencies
  • Disparate impact: Implementation could disproportionately affect low-income and minority pregnant people with less access to private medical care

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

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