Bill > HB2159

This bill amends the Texas Family Code to clarify and expand the circumstances under which minors can consent to medical treatment for themselves or their children. Specifically, the bill updates the existing law to explicitly state that an unmarried minor who is a parent and has actual custody of their child can consent to medical, dental, psychological, and surgical treatment for that child by a licensed physician or dentist. The bill also modifies the chapter heading to include references to minor parents, reflecting the expanded consent provisions. The existing law already allowed minors to consent to their own medical treatment under certain conditions, such as being on active military duty, being 16 or older and living separately from parents, being pregnant, or having specific health-related needs. The new provision specifically codifies the right of minor parents to make medical decisions for their own children, which was previously not explicitly stated in the law. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, providing clear legal guidance for healthcare providers and minor parents in Texas.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2159