Relating to public disclosures of certain information in the child abuse registry relating to founded reports of child abuse involving sexual abuse

This bill relates to public disclosures of certain information in the child abuse registry.102 (sex offense classifications), against a minor if the person was convicted. The internet site, at a minimum, must be searchable by name, county, city, zip code, and geographic radius. The bill requires HHS to make relevant information received by HHS and required to be displayed on the internet site available on the internet site within five business days of HHS determining an allegation of child abuse involving sexual abuse is founded or determining that information maintained on the internet site requires an update or correction. The bill details the type of information that is relevant information about a person who is the subject of a founded report of child abuse involving sexual abuse that shall be disclosed on the HHS internet site and what types of information shall not be included on the internet site. The bill allows HHS, at HHS’s discretion, to disseminate any relevant information available on the internet site through any other means to the general public. The bill requires HHS to include instructions and any applicable forms necessary for a person seeking correction of information that the person contends is erroneous on the internet site. The bill establishes that records and information not available on the internet site or Code chapter 235A (child abuse) are confidential and not subject to examination and copying by a member of the public.