Schools may run a missing-child fingerprinting program with written parental consent, set a fee up to $3 per child, and must not let agencies keep copies of children’s fingerprints.
Sec. 33.053. FINGERPRINTS OF CHILDREN. (a) A missing child prevention and identification program may include a procedure for taking the fingerprints of each student registered in the school whose parent or legal custodian has consented in writing to the fingerprinting. Fingerprints obtained under this section may be used only for the identification and location of a missing child. (b) The board of trustees of a school district or the chief administrative officer of a private school may establish a reasonable fee to cover the costs of fingerprinting not provided by volunteer assistance. The fee may not exceed $3 for each child fingerprinted. If the school charges a fee, the school may waive all or a portion of the costs of fingerprinting for educationally disadvantaged children. (c) A representative of a law enforcement agency of the county or the municipality in which the school district is located or of the Department of Public Safety, or a person trained in fingerprinting technique by a law enforcement agency or the Department of Public Safety, shall make one complete set of fingerprints on a fingerprint card for each child participating in the program. If the school requests, the Department of Public Safety may provide fingerprint training to persons designated by the school. (d) A fingerprint card shall include a description of the child, including the name, address, date and place of birth, color of eyes and hair, weight, and sex of the child. (e) Except as provided by Section 33.054(b), the fingerprint card and other materials developed under this subchapter shall be made part of the school's permanent student records. (f) A state agency, law enforcement agency, or other person may not retain a copy of a child's fingerprints taken under this program. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.