WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2809

Relating to required reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding youth in the managing conservatorship of the department who attempt suicide.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 2 co-sponsors

Texas requires DFPS to report and disclose data on suicide attempts by youth in state foster care to improve transparency and accountability for vulnerable populations.

Effective on 9/1/25
#family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #suicide(s0206)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2809

Legislative bill overview

HB 2809 requires the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to report data on suicide attempts by youth in state foster care. The bill mandates collection and public disclosure of this information, becoming effective September 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Youth in foster care experience suicide attempts at significantly higher rates than the general population, making this data collection critical for identifying systemic failures and holding agencies accountable. Public reporting creates transparency around a vulnerable population's mental health crisis and can inform policy improvements to prevent deaths.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy concerns: Collecting detailed suicide attempt data on minors raises questions about identifying information, confidentiality protections, and how granularly the data will be reported publicly
  • Resource implications: DFPS may argue the reporting requirement creates administrative burden without providing funding for mental health interventions or preventive services
  • Accountability vs. defensiveness: The agency might face scrutiny over high attempt rates, potentially creating tension between transparency goals and institutional defensiveness that could affect cooperation

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

Sign in to ask a question.