H.B. No. 1781
AN ACT
relating to access by a sibling of a child separated from the
sibling due to an action by the Department of Family and Protective
Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 102.0045, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a-1) The sibling of a child who is separated from the
sibling as the result of an action by the Department of Family and
Protective Services may file an original suit as provided by
Section 153.551 requesting access to the child, regardless of the
age of the sibling. A court shall expedite a suit filed under this
subsection.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1781 was passed by the House on April
16, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 1, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1781 was passed by the Senate on May
26, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor