Bill > HB2160

This bill modifies the Texas Family Code provisions regarding judicial interviews of children in parent-child relationship cases. The bill expands the court's discretion in interviewing children, allowing interviews to occur either in chambers or at another location within the courthouse. For children 12 years of age or older, the court must interview them to determine their preferences about conservatorship, possession, access, primary residence, and other issues affecting the parent-child relationship. The court may also interview children under 12 at its discretion. In jury trials, any such interview cannot be introduced to the jury. When interviewing a child 12 or older, the court must create a record of the interview and order it sealed unless an appeal has been filed. The bill also updates related sections of the Family Code to reference these new interview procedures, specifically in contexts of child custody modification and temporary orders. The changes apply to both pending and future suits affecting parent-child relationships and will take effect on September 1, 2025. The primary goal appears to be providing courts more flexibility in understanding children's perspectives while maintaining the confidentiality of these interviews.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2160