H.B. No. 1155 introduces a new section, 264.209, to the Family Code, establishing a Monitored Return Assistance Program. This program mandates that the Department of Family and Protective Services provide monetary assistance to parents whose children are returned to them under a court order, provided they meet certain criteria. Specifically, eligible parents must have a family income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level and demonstrate that economic factors such as unemployment or inability to afford basic necessities are significant barriers to reunification. The assistance will be disbursed similarly to payments made to foster parents, with a cap of 50 percent of the department's daily basic foster care rate.

Additionally, the bill allows for the extension of monetary assistance payments for up to six months after a case is dismissed, aimed at supporting family stability post-reunification. However, the assistance will decrease by 25 percent each month during this extension period. The provisions of this bill apply to any court order rendered under Section 263.403, regardless of when the order was issued, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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