Bill > HB2340

This bill addresses several important aspects of child custody evaluations in Texas, focusing on improving the qualifications and procedures for evaluators, particularly when working with children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill defines "developmental disability" and "intellectual disability" according to existing Health and Safety Code sections, and requires child custody evaluators to complete at least three hours of training related to caring for children with these disabilities within the two years preceding an evaluation. The legislation also modifies record-keeping and disclosure requirements, mandating that evaluators make their records available to attorneys, parties, and court-appointed representatives, while requiring the redaction of sensitive information like social security numbers and birth dates. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a child custody evaluator has not completed the required disability-related training when evaluating a child with an intellectual or developmental disability, the court may not admit the evaluation report into evidence (unless the evaluator is court-appointed). These changes aim to ensure more informed, sensitive, and comprehensive child custody evaluations, with a specific focus on supporting children with disabilities. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to child custody evaluations conducted on or after January 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2340