TX HB1841

Limits mandatory child abuse/neglect reporting requirements to "professionals" (state-licensed/certified individuals or employees of state-operated facilities who have direct contact with children, including teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care employees, and juvenile probation officers), removing the current requirement for all persons to report suspected abuse

Requires non-professionals to report only if they directly witness sexual abuse, sexual assault, or physical abuse of a child; other suspected abuse or neglect by non-professionals becomes permissive rather than mandatory

Allows professionals to refer families to community-based prevention or family preservation services instead of making an official report if the child is not at risk based on concerns solely related to behavior, truancy, or poverty conditions

Establishes that professionals must report within 48 hours of forming reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect occurred, and requires the department to develop training for professionals on reporting requirements and alternatives

Authorizes the department to conduct an implementation study in collaboration with various stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of community-based referrals at promoting child safety and preventing foster care entry, funded only through federal or private grants