Texas Senate Bill SB1987

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating to procedures and grounds for termination of the parent-child relationship.

Impact

The changes introduced by SB1987 are significant for state laws surrounding family and child welfare. By modifying the criteria for terminating parental rights, the bill aims to streamline the judicial process, enabling courts to make more consistent and informed decisions regarding children's best interests. The adjustments in legal definitions and the validation of judicial authority are expected to provide a more effective framework for dealing with cases where children are at risk. If enacted, the bill would apply to new cases filed after its effective date, suggesting a transitional approach that respects ongoing legal proceedings.

Summary

Senate Bill 1987 proposes amendments to the Texas Family Code regarding the procedures and grounds for the termination of the parent-child relationship. The bill aims to clarify various conditions under which the courts can terminate parental rights, focusing primarily on cases involving child abandonment, inadequate support, and circumstances that endanger a child's well-being. It outlines specific scenarios that constitute grounds for termination, giving courts clear directives on how to handle such sensitive family matters, thereby impacting both judicial efficiency and child welfare outcomes.

Contention

Some notable points of contention may arise from how these changes could be perceived by various stakeholders in family law. Advocates for children’s rights may support the bill for its protective measures, but there could be concern from parental rights groups regarding sudden terminations without sufficient due process. The provisions mandating courts to find "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" raise significant judicial expectations that could lead to debates about what constitutes sufficient evidence, potentially complicating the court's role in sensitive family dynamics. The implications of the bill underscore a balancing act between protecting children's welfare while ensuring parental rights are adequately respected.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 161. Termination Of The Parent-child Relationship
  • Section: New Section