Senate committee hears emotional testimony on bill to train providers and caseworkers on medical child abuse

Summary

Sen. Parker laid out Senate Bill 2826, “Alyssa’s Law,” to require training for health professionals and child protective services on medical child abuse; the hearing included testimony from survivors, law‑enforcement and many caregivers who warned the measure could harm families with medically complex children if not narrowly tailored.

Senate Bill 2826, filed by Sen. Parker and labeled “Alyssa’s Law,” drew extended, emotional testimony on the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services about how to detect and respond to medical child abuse. The bill would establish a statewide education program for medical students, health‑care professionals and DFPS caseworkers to improve recognition and response to cases in which caregivers deliberately fabricate or induce medical conditions in a child.

Sponsor’s presentation: Sen. Parker told the committee the measure aims to protect children from intentional medical abuse, to promote early identification and better coordination among providers and child protective services, and to avoid villainizing families who seek legitimate care. Sheriff Bill Weyburn and the text of a victim statement from Alyssa Weyburn — the…

Senate committee hears emotional testimony on bill to train providers and caseworkers on medical child abuse

Summary

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