AUSTIN, Sept. 17 -- The Texas Attorney General issued the following press release:
Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a formal legal opinion clarifying which law enforcement agencies are authorized under the Texas Family Code to receive referrals and conduct certain investigations involving suspected child abuse or neglect.
Texas Family Code Chapter 261 establishes requirements for reporting and investigating suspected child abuse and neglect. Among other requirements, Texas law provides that a person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect must immediately make a report.
In 2025, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 571, which amended Ch...