Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

June 9, 2009

~ Includes provision granting parents access to their child's records ~

AUSTIN- State Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr. announced today that he has passed legislation allowing parents access to information regarding the abuse or neglect of their children. Currently, information regarding a law enforcement investigation into the abuse or neglect of a child is completely confidential without exception. Ortiz authored a provision in the legislation that would allow a parent who is not suspected of causing the abuse or neglect access to information regarding their child once the law enforcement agency determines that release of the information would not interfere with the investigation.

"Parents need access to their children's information in order to make the right decisions for their child," Ortiz said. "In cases where their child has been abused or neglected, parents need to know what happened so that they can arrange the appropriate treatment to deal with their child's injuries, whether physical or mental. In other cases, the police investigation shows that the allegation of abuse or neglect was unfounded. Parents need to know that as well, to put their minds at ease."

SB 1182 also provides that the child who was the victim of the abuse or neglect can access their own records once they turn 18. Sometimes, an adult trying to come to terms with their past will seek out the police records regarding their abuse or neglect - often as part of therapy or counseling.

"Allowing these victims access to their own records is only fair," Ortiz said. "I enjoyed working with Sen. Jeff Wentworth, who authored the bill in the Senate."

SB 1182 also included:

* a clean up of the procedural sections of the Public Information Act based on suggestions by the Attorney General's Open Records Division that make the Act more efficient and less confusing to the cities, counties and other governments that have to deal with open records requests everyday.

* an amendment that allows a city council to hear a report of certain items of community interest during their meeting as long as no action is taken and possible action is not discussed. This amendment is designed to allow the city council to congratulate employees, remind the community of upcoming events, and discuss a public health or safety threat that arose after the agenda was posted.

* an amendment restricting details regarding the specific location and transfer of certain deadly biological agents or toxins, but guaranteeing the public's right to know the presence of these deadly agents in their community and the type of research being conducted.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the State of Texas House website at www.house.state.tx.us.

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