TX SB1971

Statements made by individuals undergoing substance use disorder treatment or mental health treatment/evaluation cannot be used against them in government-filed child abuse or neglect cases

Out-of-court statements about alleged abuse or neglect made to mandatory reporters are inadmissible unless independently corroborated by other evidence

Alleged perpetrators of child abuse or neglect cannot be compelled to make statements during investigations or testify at judicial proceedings, and courts cannot comment on or draw adverse inferences from their refusal

Government entities must disclose to all parties within 7 days before hearings: witness names and statements, offense reports, photographs/videos/recordings, medical records, all exculpatory/impeachment/mitigating evidence, and complete investigative files with only reporter identity redacted

Documents, items, or information not timely disclosed by the government entity are inadmissible as evidence; newly discovered materials must be immediately provided to all parties even after trial