85R5276 MK-D
By: Price H.B. No. 1542
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the definition of the least restrictive environment for
the placement of children in foster care.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 263.001(a), Family Code, is amended by
amending Subdivision (3-a) and adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as
follows:
(3-a) "Least restrictive environment" means a
placement for a child that, in comparison to all other available
placements:
(A) is the closest in geographic proximity to the
child's home; and
(B) is the most able to meet the identified needs
of the child.
(3-b) "Physician assistant" has the meaning assigned
by Section 157.051, Occupations Code.
SECTION 2. Section 263.001, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) With respect to a child designated by the department as
a child who needs basic or moderate services, the least restrictive
environment requires placement in a foster home or a general
residential operation operating as a cottage home.
SECTION 3. Section 264.001, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows:
(3-a) "Least restrictive environment" means a
placement for a child that, in comparison to all other available
placements:
(A) is the closest in geographic proximity to the
child's home; and
(B) is the most able to meet the identified needs
of the child.
SECTION 4. Section 264.107, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) The department shall place a child designated by the
department as a child who needs basic or moderate services in the
least restrictive environment necessary to meet the child's needs.
Placement of a child in the least restrictive environment requires
placement in a foster home or a general residential operation
operating as a cottage home.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.