Bill > HB694

This bill amends the Texas Family Code to enhance notification requirements for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) regarding children in their managing conservatorship. The key provisions include expanding notification requirements to include the parent's attorney in various scenarios, such as significant changes in a child's medical condition, enrollment in drug research programs, initial prescription of psychotropic medication, and changes in child placement. The bill reduces the notification timeframe from 10 days to 48 hours for significant events affecting the child and mandates that DFPS provide notice to the parent's attorney in specific circumstances, such as when the parent cannot be located or has not participated in the child's case for at least six months. Additionally, the bill requires DFPS to document all notifications and attempted notifications in the child's case record. These changes aim to improve communication and transparency in cases involving children under the department's care, ensuring that parents and their legal representatives are promptly informed about important developments in the child's situation. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB694