Bill > HB4656

This bill establishes new legal requirements for nonparents (such as grandparents, relatives, or other interested parties) seeking to file or intervene in lawsuits involving parent-child relationships. The bill creates a strong presumption in favor of parental rights by requiring nonparents to prove by clear and convincing evidence that denying their requested relief would significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional development. Specifically, nonparents must now file an affidavit with their initial legal pleading that provides detailed, personal knowledge-based facts supporting their claim that the child would be harmed if their requested relief is not granted. The bill also stipulates that if a court grants relief to a nonparent, it must explicitly state the specific facts supporting its decision and explain how the presumption in favor of parental rights has been overcome. Additionally, in modification suits, a nonparent cannot overcome the parental presumption if the parent previously agreed to a prior order. These provisions aim to protect parental rights while still allowing for intervention in cases where a child's well-being is genuinely at risk. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to both pending and new parent-child relationship suits.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4656