Bill > HB1151

This bill modifies Texas Family Code provisions related to child neglect and termination of parental rights by adding specific protections for parents' medical and healthcare decision-making choices. The bill clarifies that certain parental actions cannot be used as sole grounds for terminating parental rights or removing children from their homes, including: refusing to administer psychotropic medications, choosing alternative health care treatments, seeking multiple medical opinions, transferring medical care, allowing age-appropriate independent activities, declining immunizations for conscience reasons, being economically disadvantaged, or homeschooling. The new provisions specify that such actions can only be considered grounds for intervention if they present a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or bodily injury to the child, or result in a material impairment of the child's growth, development, or functioning. Additionally, the bill adds protections around medical decision-making, ensuring that parents' choices in medical treatment cannot be automatically interpreted as neglect unless they meet the high threshold of causing significant harm. The changes will apply only to suits filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services on or after September 1, 2025, providing clarity and additional protections for parents in their healthcare and child-rearing decisions.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1151