Bill > HB2645

This bill modifies Texas family law regarding grandparents' rights to seek possession of or access to their grandchildren by making several key changes. The bill requires courts to appoint a guardian ad litem (a court-appointed representative who advocates for the child's best interests) for the grandchild when a grandparent files a suit requesting possession or access, and mandates that this guardian ad litem submit a report with specific recommendations about the grandparent's requested access. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited grandparents' access to cases where a parent was incarcerated, incompetent, deceased, or without court-ordered possession, and instead establishes a more flexible standard where grandparents must prove by a preponderance of evidence that denying access would significantly impair the child's physical or emotional well-being. Importantly, the bill eliminates the requirement for expert testimony when grandparents are making their case for access, potentially making it easier for grandparents to seek visitation rights. The changes will apply to both pending and future suits affecting parent-child relationships, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2645