Bill > HB1915

This bill modifies Texas Family Code provisions regarding child possession orders, particularly for children under three years old. The bill expands the factors courts must consider when determining child possession, including the preexisting parent-child relationship, minimal or inconsistent contact with the child, the personal availability of caregivers, the child's physical and developmental needs, and the impact of individuals residing with or interacting with the child. It requires courts to render possession orders as similar as possible to standard possession orders when work schedules, special circumstances, or year-round school schedules make the standard order unworkable. The bill also introduces a new provision allowing courts to base possession orders for children under three on parental agreement, unless the agreement is not in the child's best interest. Additionally, the bill requires courts to provide written specific reasons when a possession order varies from the standard order. These changes will apply only to parent-child relationship suits filed on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, with the goal of creating more flexible and child-centered custody arrangements that prioritize the child's best interests.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1915