By: Cook, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hancock) H.B. No. 2969
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 2023;
May 11, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Health &
Human Services; May 18, 2023, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; May 18, 2023, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting a maximum age or age differential for
prospective adoptive parents.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 162, Family Code, is
amended by adding Section 162.604 to read as follows:
Sec. 162.604. MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS
PROHIBITED. (a) The Department of Family and Protective Services,
a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing
agency that places a child for adoption may not implement or enforce
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) Subject to Subsection (a), the Department of Family and
Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a
licensed child-placing agency may consider the health and expected
lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the
best interest of a child.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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