Impact
In Texas legislature,
findings have not gone
unwatched
Statesman investigation
spurs lawmakers to file
11 bills on child care safety.
Austin American-Statesman | Dec. 6 2018
Months after an American-Statesman investigation into dangerous conditions in some Texas child care centers, state lawmakers are proposing sweeping reforms aimed at improving safety.
At least 11 bills targeting a wide range of problems are in the works. One increases penalties for abuse and neglect of children. Another mandates inspections of currently unregulated day care operations. Another requires cameras in child care classrooms.
Other proposals call for better reporting of child sexual abuse, providing parents with more information about day care facilities through an online database and creating a fund that would be used to produce safety training materials that would be free for child care operations.
Gov. Greg Abbott is keeping an eye on the bills.