TX HB3635

Expands the definition of child abuse to explicitly include "improper relationship between educator and student" under Section 21.12 of the Penal Code as a form of sexual conduct harmful to a child's welfare

Creates a specific statutory definition of "law enforcement agency" for child abuse reporting purposes, limited to the Department of Public Safety, municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, and county constable's offices

Removes language allowing reports to be made to "any local or state law enforcement agency," replacing it with the newly defined term to standardize which agencies can receive reports

Requires written notification (which may be sent via email) to school superintendents, charter school directors, or private school chief executives when the Department of Family and Protective Services determines abuse or neglect involves a school employee, removing the previous requirement that the child be a student at that school

Takes effect September 1, 2025