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TexasHB 235089th Legislature Regular SessionHouse

Relating to standing in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

Sponsored By: Harold V. Dutton Jr., Nathan Johnson (Democratic), Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos

Signed by Governor

Family--Parent & ChildCHILD CUSTODYCONSERVATORSHIPFOSTER CAREFAMILY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Long-term foster caregivers gain court access

For suits filed on or after September 1, 2025, foster parents, relatives, and designated caregivers gain a court-filing route. Texas child protective services must have placed the child in their home for at least 12 months. That period must end no more than 90 days before filing. The months need not be continuous; the court considers where the child mainly lived. This route is unavailable after a return to a parent under Section 263.403. It is also unavailable after placement with a parent and dismissal of the state's case under Section 263.401. Earlier suits stay under prior law.

More relatives gain access after parents die

For suits filed on or after September 1, 2025, more blood relatives can start a parent-child court case. The law expands the family relationship limit from the third degree to the fourth degree. Texas law determines the degree of relationship. The child's parents must be deceased when the petition is filed. Earlier suits stay under prior law.

Shared-home caregivers lose a court-filing route

For suits filed on or after September 1, 2025, the law removes a route based on sharing a home. It covered people who lived with the child and the child's parent, guardian, or court-appointed managing conservator. It required at least six months together, ending no more than 90 days before filing. That adult also had to be deceased when the petition was filed. This specific route is no longer available; earlier suits stay under prior law.

Tighter court-filing rules for child caregivers

For suits filed on or after September 1, 2025, this route requires six months of exclusive care, control, and possession. That period must end no more than 90 days before filing. The six months need not be continuous; the court considers where the child mainly lived. This route excludes foster parents, relatives, and designated caregivers caring for children placed by Texas child protective services. Earlier suits stay under prior law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Harold V. Dutton Jr.

    House

  • Nathan Johnson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos

    House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 359 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Record vote

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Record vote

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 5/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 140 • No: 0

House vote • 5/1/2025

Record vote

Yes: 141 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Jurisprudence

Yes: 5 • 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

    5/23/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/23/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/23/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/22/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/21/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/21/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/21/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/21/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/21/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/21/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/21/2025Senate

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

    5/21/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    5/21/2025Senate

  16. Placed on intent calendar

    5/19/2025Senate

  17. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/15/2025Senate

  18. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/15/2025Senate

  19. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/15/2025Senate

  20. Vote taken in committee

    5/14/2025Senate

  21. Considered in public hearing

    5/14/2025Senate

  22. Left pending in committee

    5/7/2025Senate

  23. Testimony taken in committee

    5/7/2025Senate

  24. Considered in public hearing

    5/7/2025Senate

  25. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

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