Bill > SB2040

This bill establishes the Texas Adoption Assistance Program, which aims to encourage the adoption of Texas children from the foster care system by providing financial assistance to adoptive parents. The program, to be administered by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, offers grants to help offset adoption-related expenses for families who meet specific criteria. To be eligible, parents must reside in Texas, adopt a child under 18 who was in the state's foster care system, apply within one year of the adoption, and have a household income not exceeding $250,000. The grant amount varies based on household income, ranging from 10% to 50% of adoption-related expenses, which can include legal fees, home study costs, adoption advertisements, legal representation, medical expenses, case management, and communication support for open adoptions. The Comptroller will collaborate with the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of Family and Protective Services to promote the program and will be required to submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2026, detailing the program's outcomes and potential future needs. The program is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with the goal of supporting and incentivizing the adoption of children in the Texas foster care system.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2040