HB3137 Summary

• Authorizes sheriffs' departments and county-authorized departments to conduct independent investigations of abuse, neglect, or infectious disease within the county, regardless of concurrent investigations by other law enforcement or state agencies.

• Grants counties concurrent investigative jurisdiction with other entities, but makes county investigations subordinate to law enforcement or state agencies that have primary jurisdiction over the matter.

• Requires law enforcement and state agencies to provide requested information and documentation to county investigators as soon as reasonably practicable, with confidential or privileged information clearly marked and protected from public disclosure.

• Obligates county sheriffs' departments and departments to share investigative findings, reports, and relevant information obtained during concurrent investigations with other law enforcement or state agencies as soon as reasonably practicable.

• Grants investigating agents of sheriffs' departments and county departments general subpoena power, including authority to issue subpoenas to medical providers under the Code of Civil Procedure.