H.B. No. 966 introduces a new section, 264.0112, to the Family Code, which mandates that the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) provide specific notifications regarding benefits for children in its conservatorship who have a representative payee or fiduciary. The bill defines "legal representative" and outlines the information that must be communicated to the child through their legal representative. This includes details about applications for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), as well as any decisions or communications from relevant agencies regarding these applications.

Additionally, if DFPS serves as the representative payee for the child, it is required to provide information before each placement review hearing. This includes the amount of benefits received, details about the child's assets and resources, an accounting of benefit fund disbursements, and information regarding requests for fund disbursement made by the child's legal representative or caregiver. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()