In the closing hours of the Texas legislative session, Senate Bill 1440, a harmless bill, was amended with dangerous language that would give Child Protective Services new and dangerous powers.
The danger of this bill lies in three simple words: “GOOD CAUSE SHOWN.” Currently CPS can go to court and with “good cause shown” get permission to go through your child’s medical, school, and psychological records if you are not cooperating. They can even get a court order to take your child from school for interviews or assessments. SB1440, however, lowers the bar.
Our interpretation of this bill is that the judge only has to find that the affidavit filled out by CPS is “sufficient.” We don’t even know what “sufficient” means, and it certainly isn’t defined in the bill.
We believe that this would essentially give the court and CPS carte blanche to get intimately involved in your personal life without you even having notice of the hearing and a chance to defend yourself. Imagine the kind of ammunition this would give schools to use against parents who refuse psychiatric labels and drugs.
It is urgent that you call the Governor’s Citizens’ Opinion Line, or send an e-mail asking the Governor to veto the bill. Then, get your friends, your neighbors, and anybody they might know to do the same.
You’ll find the Governor’s contact information below:
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Citizen’s Opinion Hotline [for Texas callers] : (800) 252-9600
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Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline [for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers] : (512) 463-1782
Spread the word!
Then, call the office or return this email and let us know you made your calls and any feedback you got! 512-428-9840 or 800-572-2905