Bill > HB567

This bill makes several changes to the procedures and grounds for terminating the parent-child relationship, for taking possession of a child, and for certain hearings in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services. Key provisions of the bill include: - Expanding the duties of an attorney ad litem appointed for a child in certain proceedings to include reviewing the child's medical care, eliciting the child's opinion on the medical care, and seeking to identify potential adult relatives or designated caregivers for the child. - Prohibiting a court from terminating the parent-child relationship solely based on evidence that a parent homeschooled the child, is economically disadvantaged, has been charged with certain nonviolent misdemeanors, provided low-THC cannabis to a child as prescribed, declined a child's immunization for reasons of conscience, or allowed the child to engage in independent activities appropriate for the child's maturity and abilities. - Restricting the Department of Family and Protective Services from taking possession of a child based on the same prohibited evidence. - Requiring the court to order the return of a child to the parent, managing conservator, or other person entitled to possession, unless the court finds sufficient evidence of a danger to the child's physical health or safety and that reasonable efforts have been made to enable the child's return home. - Adding procedures for the court to hold a hearing and render temporary orders requiring a parent, conservator, or other household member to participate in services to address abuse, neglect, or a substantial risk of harm to the child. - Requiring the court to render a final order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship within 90 days of the trial on the merits, with the ability to extend the deadline for good cause.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB567