BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2969 88R10959 AMF-D By: Cook et al. (Hancock) Health & Human Services 5/13/2023 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT It has been reported that some families have faced difficulties pursuing adoption due to age-restrictive policies. H.B. 2969 prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency from setting a maximum age for prospective adoptive parents or a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent. H.B. 2969 amends current law relating to prohibiting a maximum age or age differential for prospective adoptive parents. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 162, Family Code, by adding Section 162.604, as follows: Sec. 162.604. MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS PROHIBITED. (a) Prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency that places a child for adoption from implementing or enforcing a policy that: (1) sets a maximum age for any prospective adoptive parent; or (2) sets a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent. (b) Authorizes DFPS, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency, subject to Subsection (a), to consider the health and expected lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the best interest of a child. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2969
88R10959 AMF-D By: Cook et al. (Hancock)
Health & Human Services
5/13/2023
Engrossed
Senate Research Center
H.B. 2969
88R10959 AMF-D
By: Cook et al. (Hancock)
Health & Human Services
5/13/2023
Engrossed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
It has been reported that some families have faced difficulties pursuing adoption due to age-restrictive policies. H.B. 2969 prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency from setting a maximum age for prospective adoptive parents or a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.
H.B. 2969 amends current law relating to prohibiting a maximum age or age differential for prospective adoptive parents.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 162, Family Code, by adding Section 162.604, as follows:
Sec. 162.604. MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS PROHIBITED. (a) Prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency that places a child for adoption from implementing or enforcing a policy that:
(1) sets a maximum age for any prospective adoptive parent; or
(2) sets a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.
(b) Authorizes DFPS, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency, subject to Subsection (a), to consider the health and expected lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the best interest of a child.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.