Bill > HB4969

This bill amends the Human Resources Code to provide additional legal protections for child welfare services providers by allowing them to recover reasonable attorney's fees and court costs if they successfully assert a claim or defense related to their rights of conscience. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection to Section 45.007 that enables these providers to seek compensation for legal expenses if they prevail in a lawsuit challenging an adverse action taken against them for exercising their conscience-based rights. This means that if a child welfare services provider believes they have been wrongly penalized or discriminated against for acting in accordance with their moral or religious beliefs, they can now not only seek to defend themselves in court but also potentially recover their legal expenses if they win their case. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving organizations time to prepare for the new legal provision.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4969