Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4452

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

Impact

By enacting HB4452, the state would be reinforcing legal protections for child welfare service providers who may have moral objections to certain practices or requirements. This could significantly shape the operational landscape for agencies engaged in child welfare by affirming their rights to operate according to their principles without fear of legal repercussions regarding state mandates that conflict with their beliefs. The implications are that these protections may lead to certain providers opting out of services or imposing limitations on the scope of care they provide based on their conscience.

Summary

House Bill 4452 seeks to protect the rights of conscience for providers of child welfare services. The bill amends provisions within the Health and Safety Code to ensure that any rules adopted by the executive commissioner do not infringe on the conscience rights outlined in Chapter 110 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. This legislative measure is intended to guarantee that child welfare service providers can operate according to their personal, moral, or religious beliefs while delivering services, thereby preventing any forced compliance with regulations that contradict these beliefs.

Contention

The discussion around HB4452 may invoke notable contention, as there are debates surrounding the balance between a provider's rights and the obligation to serve all children equitably. Critics of the bill might argue that enshrining conscience protections could lead to discrimination against children and families who do not align with the beliefs of the providers, potentially limiting access to necessary services. Supporters, on the other hand, feel that the bill is essential for safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that providers are not compelled to act against their beliefs, promoting a diverse service landscape in the child welfare system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 54. Living Organ Donor Education Program
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB832

Relating to the protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.

TX HB3933

Relating to the liability of entities contracted with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide community-based care or child welfare services.

TX SB2022

Relating to the liability of entities contracted with the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide community-based care or child welfare services.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2199

Relating to protection of individuals from participation in a health care service for reasons of conscience; providing a civil remedy; authorizing disciplinary action.

TX HB319

Relating to protection of persons from participation in a health care service for reasons of conscience; providing a civil remedy; authorizing disciplinary action.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB37

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.