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TexasHB 278989th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the regulation of child welfare, including licensure, community-based care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities.

Sponsored By: James Frank, Lacey Hull, Christian Manuel, Candy Noble, Kevin Sparks (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Day CareFamily--Child ProtectionFamily--Parent & ChildHuman Services--Child ServicesADOPTIONCONTRACTORS & SUBCONTRACTORSFOSTER CAREFAMILY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Lower late fees for administrator licenses

Covered administrator licenses expired more than 90 days but less than one year qualify for a lower renewal charge. Holders pay 1.5 times the usual renewal fee instead of twice that fee. The savings equal half the usual renewal fee; the dollar amount depends on the license.

Fewer licensing hurdles for child welfare providers

Texas community-based care contractors called single source continuum contractors can fulfill department contracts without a child-placing agency license. They can still choose to get one. The exemption excludes subcontractors and child-placing agencies working under them, and other child welfare laws still apply. Initial licenses last 12 months and can be renewed for six more months. The department must adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025, and require these contractors to prioritize child safety. Most of the law takes effect September 1, 2025; two sections take effect January 1, 2026.

Children's tuberculosis testing mandate ends

The Texas child welfare department no longer has to require tuberculosis tests for children in covered facilities. Testing is still allowed. Required vaccines cover diphtheria, tetanus, polio, mumps, rubella, measles, invasive pneumococcal disease, hepatitis A, and other state-recommended diseases. Immunizations must be effective when a child first enters care. Children who have started their shots can enter provisionally and must finish them as quickly as medically feasible.

Treatment centers face trespassing sign rules

Residential treatment centers must post No Trespassing signs on their grounds. Detailed placement and design standards are set through agency rules rather than the removed statutory specifications. The department supplies the required signs. Failure to display them after notice is a Class C misdemeanor.

Lower required insurance for child-care providers

Licensed or registered child-care providers need $100,000 in liability insurance per incident of negligence, down from $300,000. Coverage applies to children injured on the premises or while in the provider's care. Listed family homes also face a $100,000-per-incident requirement. Homes unable to get coverage must notify parents or guardians and the commission. That notice prevents penalties or loss of the listing for lacking coverage, but does not shield homes from negligence claims. Providers face a lower coverage requirement, while families have less required insurance backing injury claims.

New qualifications for child welfare administrators

Child-care and child-placing agency administrator applicants must provide fingerprints, meet background-check rules, and pass the department's exam. They must show competence and have education or experience equal to a bachelor's degree in social work or a similar field. This replaces the former listed management experience and degree-and-experience paths.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • James Frank

    House

  • Lacey Hull

    House

  • Christian Manuel

    House

  • Candy Noble

    House

  • Kevin Sparks

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Royce West

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 360 • No: 14

Senate vote • 5/19/2025

Record vote

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/19/2025

Record vote

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

Record vote

Yes: 141 • No: 6

House vote • 4/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 138 • No: 8

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Health & Human Services

Yes: 8 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Human Services

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. See remarks for effective date

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/22/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/21/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/21/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/20/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/20/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/19/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/19/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/19/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/19/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/19/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/19/2025Senate

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

    5/19/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    5/19/2025Senate

  16. Placed on intent calendar

    5/19/2025Senate

  17. Co-sponsor authorized

    5/19/2025Senate

  18. Committee report printed and distributed

    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

    5/13/2025Senate

  23. Testimony taken in committee

    5/13/2025Senate

  24. Considered in public hearing

    5/13/2025Senate

  25. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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