Bill

HB 2680

87(R) - 2021
House Human Services
House Human Services
Family Values

Contact the Author

Lacey Hull

Phone:

(512) 463-0727

Capitol Office:

E2.302

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Lacey Hull
Candy Noble

Bill Caption

Relating to certain procedures relating to children placed under a parental child safety placement. 

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2680, As Introduced : a NEGATIVE impact of ($34,680,394) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023. 

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

HB 2680 would place duties upon the court and the Department of Family and Protective Services during a suit that will affect the parent-child relationship. The court now has to inform a parent who is not represented by an attorney they have a right to an attorney, or if they are indigent, they have a right to an ad-litem attorney before an order requiring participation in services can be given. 

HB 2680 would automatically terminate a parental child safety placement agreement on the earlier of the 30th day after the agreement is signed; or the child is placed with the caregiver. HB 2680 requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to include children who are placed with a caregiver under a parental child safety placement agreement in any report where the department is required to report the number of children who are removed from the children's homes. DFPS is further required to report the number of cases in which the court orders the parents or other member of the child's household to participate in services. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 2680 represents a way to ensure that parents understand and are represented in a substantive manner during a suit that can drastically affect the relationship they have with their child and the placement of that child outside of their home. This benefits the individual liberty and personal responsibility for parents. This separation is further restricted by HB 2680 where it limits the life of parental child safety placement agreements. Removing a child from their parents should be a last resort and HB 2680 not only requires the court to ensure parental responsibility, but the department to maintain records. These records will highlight potential issues in the department and how many parents are required to participate in department services. Texas Action Supports HB 2680. 

Contact the Author

Lacey Hull

Phone:

(512) 463-0727

Capitol Office:

E2.302

Email: