Bill > HB4942

This bill introduces several key changes related to services and interventions in family court cases and judicial training requirements. Specifically, the bill prohibits courts from requiring parties or children to participate in services or interventions related to family violence or child abuse/neglect unless those services are evidence-based and have generally accepted proof of effectiveness and safety. The bill also modifies requirements for counseling in cases with a history of conflict, expanding the language from "domestic violence" to "family violence or child abuse and neglect" and specifying counselor qualifications. Additionally, the bill amends judicial training requirements for both the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, mandating that training be evidence-based and include new components such as methods for evaluating the validity of services and interventions addressing family violence or child abuse. These changes aim to ensure that court-ordered services are scientifically supported, therapeutically valuable, and physically and psychologically safe for participants. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to existing and new parent-child relationship suits.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4942