Bill > HB1473

This bill modifies the Texas Family Code provisions related to monetary assistance for relative or designated caregivers of children in the state's child welfare system. The bill removes specific income-based eligibility requirements, allowing the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide monetary assistance to caregivers regardless of their income level. Caregivers can now receive up to 50% of the department's daily basic foster care rate, with payments limited to one year (potentially extendable by six months for good cause). The bill continues to allow support services such as case management, referrals to public benefits, family counseling, and child-care expense reimbursements. Caregivers who obtain permanent managing conservatorship of a child may also receive up to $500 annually in additional expense reimbursements for up to three years or until the child turns 18. The changes aim to provide more flexible support for relatives and designated caregivers who are taking responsibility for children in the child welfare system, removing previous income-based restrictions and standardizing assistance provisions. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to caregiver assistance agreements entered into before, on, or after that date.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1473