Bill > HB194

This bill establishes a framework for creating faith-based child-care facilities in Texas to help address the state's foster youth capacity challenges. The legislation defines a faith-based child-care facility as a 24-hour care facility owned and operated by a religious organization for children in state conservatorship. Religious organizations wanting to establish such a facility must develop a comprehensive care plan, create an employee training program, and contract with a mental health services provider. The facilities must be overseen by a diverse committee including religious leaders, mental health professionals, child welfare experts, and local elected officials. The bill introduces a unique "faith-family program" that allows religious organization members to mentor foster youth, potentially leading to foster or adoptive placements. While these facilities will be exempt from standard child-care licensing requirements, the Department of Health and Human Services will establish minimum standards to ensure child health and safety. The department will also create a grant program to help religious organizations establish these facilities and will work to integrate them into the state's foster care system. Notably, the bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, providing time for implementation and preparation.