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TexasHB 197389th Legislature Regular SessionHouse

Relating to proof of the identity of a child's parents in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

Sponsored By: David Cook, Judith Zaffirini (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

AliensCourts--GeneralFamily--Parent & ChildBIRTH & DEATH CERTIFICATES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Child support agency gets proof exemption

For cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, Texas's state child support agency is exempt from the new proof requirements. When it files a parent-child relationship case, it need not submit a birth certificate or other proof of parents' identities. The law also preserves its exemptions from an existing petition statement and document-attachment requirements. Cases filed before that date remain under the law in effect when filed.

New proof rules protect family records

These rules cover Texas parent-child relationship cases filed on or after September 1, 2025. The person filing must submit a certified copy of the child's birth certificate if available to them. Otherwise, the court may request a copy from another party. During the case, the court may require other proof of the parents' identities from any party. This applies if no party has a certified certificate or it does not name both parents. Certified certificates must be filed under seal, separately from other documents. The court must seal or otherwise keep submitted proof confidential. Earlier cases remain under the law in effect when filed; the state child support agency has an exemption.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • David Cook

    House

  • Judith Zaffirini

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Penny Morales Shaw

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 423 • No: 2

House vote • 5/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 133 • No: 2

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 5/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 133 • No: 0

House vote • 5/1/2025

Record vote

Yes: 142 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Jurisprudence

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    6/2/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    6/1/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    6/1/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/31/2025House

  7. House concurs in Senate amendment(s)-reported

    5/30/2025Senate

  8. Text of Senate Amendment(s)

    5/30/2025House

  9. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/30/2025House

  10. Record vote (RV#4069)

    5/30/2025House

  11. House concurs in Senate amendment(s)

    5/30/2025House

  12. Senate Amendments Analysis distributed

    5/29/2025House

  13. Senate Amendments distributed

    5/29/2025House

  14. Senate passage as amended reported

    5/29/2025House

  15. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  16. Passed

    5/28/2025Senate

  17. Read 3rd time

    5/28/2025Senate

  18. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  19. Three day rule suspended

    5/28/2025Senate

  20. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/28/2025Senate

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

    5/28/2025Senate

  22. Laid before the Senate

    5/28/2025Senate

  23. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/28/2025Senate

  24. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/23/2025Senate

  25. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

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