Bill > HB3598

This bill modifies the Texas Family Code to limit a child in the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship's ability to decline a placement. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision stating that such a child cannot reject an "appropriate placement" unless the placement is determined not to be in the child's best interest. This means that children currently in the state's foster care system would have reduced autonomy in choosing their living arrangements, with the default presumption being that proposed placements are suitable unless proven otherwise. The change aims to potentially provide more stability in foster care placements by restricting a child's ability to refuse a placement, though the placement must still be evaluated for the child's overall well-being. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving state agencies and foster care systems time to prepare for and implement this new limitation on placement declinations.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3598