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Texas Family Code - FAM § 264.515. Investigation

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

<For suspension of "[a]ny statutes that might prevent the transfer of bodies to families as soon as possible are hereby suspended, including Sections 264.514 and 264.515 of the Texas Family Code and Articles 49.04, 49.05, 49.10, and 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure", see Proclamation 41-4189, 50 TexReg 4065 (July 5, 2025);  Proclamation 41-4218, 50 TexReg 5023 (July 16, 2025);  Proclamation 41-4221, 2025 TX EO P25-17, 50 TexReg 5024 (July 22, 2025);  Proclamation 41-4225, 2025 TX EO P25-18, 50 TexReg 5789 (August 20, 2025);  Proclamation 41-4230, 2025 TX EO P25-20, 50 TexReg 6387 (Sept. 19, 2025);  Proclamation 41-4237, 2025 TX EO P25-23, 50 TexReg 7084 (Oct. 19, 2025);  Proclamation 41-4243, 2025 TX EO P25-28, 50 TexReg 7638 (Nov. 18, 2025);  2025 TX EO P25-31, 51 TexReg 7 (Dec. 18, 2025).>

(a) The investigation required by Section 264.514 must include:

(1) an autopsy, unless an autopsy was conducted as part of the inquest;

(2) an inquiry into the circumstances of the death, including an investigation of the scene of the death and interviews with the parents of the child, any guardian or caretaker of the child, and the person who reported the child's death;  and

(3) a review of relevant information regarding the child from an agency, professional, or health care provider.

(b) The review required by Subsection (a)(3) must include a review of any applicable medical record, child protective services record, record maintained by an emergency medical services provider, and law enforcement report.

(c) The committee shall develop a protocol relating to investigation of an unexpected death of a child under this section.  In developing the protocol, the committee shall consult with individuals and organizations that have knowledge and experience in the issues of child abuse and child deaths.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Texas Family Code - FAM § 264.515. Investigation - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/family-code/fam-sect-264-515/

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