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Bill

Bill

HB 1440

Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services' annual report of key performance measures and data elements for child protection; authorizing a penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

Requires Texas DFPS to publish annual child protection performance data and measures publicly, with penalties for non-compliance.

Referred to Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 1440

Legislative bill overview

HB 1440 requires the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to publish an annual public report detailing key performance measures and data elements related to child protection services. The bill establishes accountability mechanisms and authorizes penalties for non-compliance with reporting requirements.

Why is this important

Transparent reporting on child protective services enables lawmakers, advocates, and the public to assess whether the system is effectively protecting children and identify areas needing improvement. This data-driven approach supports evidence-based policymaking and allows oversight of an agency handling some of the state's most vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Data sensitivity concerns: Balancing public transparency with privacy protections for children and families involved in CPS cases may create implementation challenges
  • Resource requirements: Mandating comprehensive annual reporting could impose administrative costs on DFPS during budget constraints
  • Penalty framework: The bill's penalty provisions remain undefined in available summaries, raising questions about proportionality and enforcement mechanisms

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

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