Bill > HB966

This bill adds a new section to the Texas Family Code requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide detailed notifications to legal representatives of children in the department's conservatorship regarding certain government benefits. Specifically, the department must immediately notify the child's legal representative (such as an attorney ad litem) about any applications for Veterans Affairs benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) made on the child's behalf. If the department serves as a representative payee or fiduciary for these benefits, they must also notify the legal representative about their application to become a payee, any decisions or communications from the benefits agencies, and any appeals related to the benefits. Furthermore, before each placement review hearing, the department must provide a comprehensive accounting to the legal representative, including the amount of benefits received, the child's assets and resources, a detailed breakdown of how benefit funds were disbursed, and information about any requests for fund disbursement that were not granted. This bill aims to increase transparency and ensure that children in the department's care are properly informed about their financial resources and benefits. 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=HB966