The bill, H.B. No. 308, amends the Texas Family Code to address legal proceedings related to marriage dissolution when one party is pregnant. It introduces a requirement that if a party discloses their pregnancy during a divorce suit, the case must also include a suit affecting the parent-child relationship concerning the unborn child. Additionally, the bill stipulates that courts cannot deny or delay the dissolution of marriage solely due to a party's pregnancy. It allows for the severance of related matters, such as the parent-child relationship or claims regarding the marital estate, under certain conditions, ensuring that necessary protective orders can be issued during the proceedings.

Furthermore, the bill expands the list of individuals who can file an original suit affecting the parent-child relationship to include parties involved in a divorce where one party is pregnant. It also mandates that petitions filed under this provision must indicate the expected date of birth of the child if the child has not yet been born. The changes will apply to suits filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 6.406, Family Code 102.003, Family Code 102.008 (Family Code 6, Family Code 102)