Texas House Bill HB730

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/16/22
• Out of House Committee: 4/20/23
• Voted on by House: 5/1/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/15/23
• Governor Action: 6/9/23

Caption

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations by the Department of Family and Protective Services, and parental child safety placements.

Impact

The bill significantly restructures aspects of the Family Code, particularly concerning how child safety placements are managed. It emphasizes voluntary parental child safety agreements, which cannot exceed 90 days without further legal oversight or parent approval. This change aims to minimize the trauma experienced by children and families involved in CPS investigations and foster a more collaborative approach between parents and child welfare services.

Summary

House Bill 730 aims to reform policies and procedures related to suits affecting the parent-child relationship, specifically focusing on investigations by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and parental child safety placements. It introduces measures designed to enhance the ep professionalism of CPS investigations while ensuring that parents and caregivers are fully informed of their rights and the implications of safety placement agreements. A notable change is the limitation imposed on the reopening of investigations beyond 60 days after their closure, thus preventing arbitrary changes to findings.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 730 is largely positive among child advocacy organizations and stakeholders who believe that these reforms are essential for protecting the rights of parents and the welfare of children. However, there are concerns that overly bureaucratic processes might hinder timely interventions in cases of genuine need. Testimony supporting the bill highlights the need to adapt child welfare practices to avoid the long-term placement of children in foster care, which is aligned with recent research indicating the potential harms of such actions.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise regarding the balance between protecting children and ensuring parental rights. While proponents argue that the bill creates necessary safeguards and clarifications in the investigation process, skeptics fear that it might lead to slower responses in urgent situations. The bill's provisions regarding termination and renewal of safety placements could also be seen as either a means of preventing unnecessary family separation or as a delayed action that may keep children in precarious situations longer than warranted.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 261. Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect
  • Section: 301
  • Section: 303
  • Section: 307
  • Section: 303
  • Section: 307
  • Section: 303
  • Section: 307
  • Section: 3081
  • Section: 303
  • Section: 307
  • Section: 303
  • Section: 307

• Chapter 262. Procedures In Suit By Governmental Entity To Protect Health And Safety Of Child
  • Section: 206
  • Section: 206
  • Section: 206
  • Section: 206

• Chapter 264. Child Welfare Services
  • Section: 901
  • Section: 902
  • Section: 907
  • Section: 203
  • Section: 907
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 203
  • Section: 2032
  • Section: 901
  • Section: 902
  • Section: 2032
  • Section: 901
  • Section: 902
  • Section: 902

• Chapter 105. Settings, Hearings, And Orders
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 263. Review Of Placement Of Children Under Care Of Department Of Family And Protective Services
  • Section: 307