TX SB275

Transfers authority for receiving and resolving complaints against the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from the department itself to the Health and Human Services Commission's office of the ombudsman

Requires the ombudsman's office to maintain information files on each complaint, develop a centralized statewide tracking system, and provide quarterly status updates to complainants

Establishes a process encouraging complainants to first submit concerns to local DFPS personnel before escalating to the ombudsman's office, allowing department staff an opportunity to resolve issues

Mandates the ombudsman's office deliver periodic reports to the executive commissioner and DFPS commissioner on the number, type, and resolution of complaints statewide

Rules implementing these changes must be adopted by January 1, 2026, with the new complaint process applying to complaints filed on or after that date; the act takes effect September 1, 2025