Bill > HB5394

This bill amends the Texas Family Code to restrict single source continuum contractors and child-placing agencies from imposing additional requirements on relative or designated caregivers beyond what is already established by law or by rules from the department or Health and Human Services Commission. Specifically, these contractors and agencies are prohibited from creating extra requirements or adopting policies that are not explicitly authorized by existing legal statutes or official rules. A single source continuum contractor is typically an organization responsible for coordinating and managing child welfare services across multiple stages of care, while a designated caregiver is a person legally authorized to care for a child who is not the child's biological parent. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and appears designed to protect relative and designated caregivers from potentially burdensome or unnecessary additional administrative requirements when caring for children in the child welfare system. By limiting extra requirements, the legislation aims to simplify and standardize the process for caregivers who are already providing critical support to children in need.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5394