Bill > HB4724

This bill modifies the civil liability protections for nonprofit entities providing foster care or adoption services in Texas by establishing specific conditions under which these organizations can limit their legal liability for actions of their employees, volunteers, caregivers, and clinical professionals. The bill requires entities to conduct timely criminal background checks, verify personnel are not listed in state registries indicating ineligibility to work with children, report misconduct, take appropriate administrative actions, and ensure personnel complete child sexual abuse prevention and child abuse reporting training. To be protected from vicarious liability, the entity must be in substantial compliance with these requirements, and a claimant must prove that the entity's non-compliance was a substantial factor in causing the harm. The bill specifically maintains that gross negligence by the entity can still result in full liability. These provisions apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after September 1, 2025, and are designed to provide a clear framework for assessing nonprofit entities' responsibilities and potential legal exposure when providing critical child welfare services.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4724