BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 116 89R17242 AMF-D By: Dutton; Jones, Jolanda (Kolkhorst) Health & Human Services 5/5/2025 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT The Texas Family Code currently outlines various conditions under which a parent-child relationship may be involuntarily terminated, particularly in cases involving abuse, neglect, or endangerment. However, gaps in the existing framework have highlighted the need for further clarification and expansion to ensure the fullest protection for children under the law. H.B. 116 aims to reinforce the financial responsibility of parents whose rights have been terminated, ensuring that those financially capable continue to support their children even when they are placed in substitute care. H.B. 116 will enhance the legal standards governing the termination of parental rights, particularly in cases involving severe endangerment or neglect. Ultimately, the bill seeks to prioritize child welfare by creating a more effective and comprehensive legal framework that promotes safety, stability, and accountability in cases of parental termination. H.B. 116 amends current law relating to grounds for the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship. 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 Section 154.001(a-1), Family Code, to make a nonsubstantive change. SECTION 2. Amends Section 161.001(b), Family Code, to delete existing text authorizing the court to order termination of the parent-child relationship if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parent has failed to comply with the provisions of a court order that specifically established the actions necessary for the parent to obtain the return of the child who has been in the permanent or temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services for not less than nine months as a result of the child's removal from the parent under Chapter 262 (Procedures in Suit by Governmental Entity to Protect Health and Safety of Child) for the abuse or neglect of the child and to make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 116
89R17242 AMF-D By: Dutton; Jones, Jolanda (Kolkhorst)
Health & Human Services
5/5/2025
Engrossed
Senate Research Center
H.B. 116
89R17242 AMF-D
By: Dutton; Jones, Jolanda (Kolkhorst)
Health & Human Services
5/5/2025
Engrossed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Texas Family Code currently outlines various conditions under which a parent-child relationship may be involuntarily terminated, particularly in cases involving abuse, neglect, or endangerment. However, gaps in the existing framework have highlighted the need for further clarification and expansion to ensure the fullest protection for children under the law.
H.B. 116 aims to reinforce the financial responsibility of parents whose rights have been terminated, ensuring that those financially capable continue to support their children even when they are placed in substitute care. H.B. 116 will enhance the legal standards governing the termination of parental rights, particularly in cases involving severe endangerment or neglect. Ultimately, the bill seeks to prioritize child welfare by creating a more effective and comprehensive legal framework that promotes safety, stability, and accountability in cases of parental termination.
H.B. 116 amends current law relating to grounds for the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship.
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 Section 154.001(a-1), Family Code, to make a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 161.001(b), Family Code, to delete existing text authorizing the court to order termination of the parent-child relationship if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parent has failed to comply with the provisions of a court order that specifically established the actions necessary for the parent to obtain the return of the child who has been in the permanent or temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services for not less than nine months as a result of the child's removal from the parent under Chapter 262 (Procedures in Suit by Governmental Entity to Protect Health and Safety of Child) for the abuse or neglect of the child and to make nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.