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TexasHB 115189th Legislature Regular SessionHouse

Relating to neglect of a child and the grounds for termination of the parent-child relationship and possession of a child by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Sponsored By: Lacey Hull, Royce West (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Family--Child ProtectionFamily--Parent & ChildMental Health & Substance AbuseMEDICINE & PRESCRIPTION DRUGSFAMILY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More protection for parents’ treatment choices

Texas law protects parents who refuse psychotropic drugs or other psychiatric or psychological treatment for their child. It also protects choosing recognized alternative care, including new, emerging, or nonstandard treatments. These choices alone are not neglect, grounds for state removal, or clear and convincing evidence to end parental rights. Protection does not apply when the refusal or treatment creates a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or bodily injury, or causes observable, material impairment of the child’s growth, development, or functioning. The changes apply to suits filed beginning September 1, 2025; earlier suits follow the prior law.

Positive marijuana tests alone cannot separate families

Texas child welfare officials cannot take a child based only on a parent’s positive marijuana test. To remove a child on that basis, officials need evidence that the parent’s marijuana use caused significant impairment. That impairment must affect the child’s physical or mental health or emotional development. The change applies to suits filed beginning September 1, 2025; earlier suits follow the prior law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Lacey Hull

    House

  • Royce West

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • César Blanco

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cody Harris

    House

  • Caroline Harris Davila

    House

  • Carrie Isaac

    House

  • Ray Lopez

    House

  • Will Metcalf

    House

  • Steve Toth

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 339 • No: 3

Senate vote • 5/14/2025

Record vote

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/14/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025

Record vote

Yes: 145 • No: 1

House vote • 4/15/2025

Record vote

Yes: 144 • No: 2

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Human Services

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Health & Human Services

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    5/28/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    5/28/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/16/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/16/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/15/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/14/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/14/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/14/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/14/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/14/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/14/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/14/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/14/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/14/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    5/14/2025Senate

  16. Co-sponsor authorized

    5/14/2025Senate

  17. Placed on intent calendar

    5/13/2025Senate

  18. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/9/2025Senate

  19. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/9/2025Senate

  20. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/9/2025Senate

  21. Vote taken in committee

    5/8/2025Senate

  22. Considered in public hearing

    5/8/2025Senate

  23. Left pending in committee

    5/7/2025Senate

  24. Testimony taken in committee

    5/7/2025Senate

  25. Considered in public hearing

    5/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

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