The bill, H.B. No. 1155, introduces a new section to the Family Code, specifically Section 264.209, which establishes a Monitored Return Assistance Program. This program mandates that the Department of Family and Protective Services provide monetary assistance to parents whose children are under a court-ordered monitored return, provided the parents meet certain criteria. Specifically, eligible parents must have a family income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level and must demonstrate that economic factors such as unemployment or inability to afford basic needs 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 orders rendered under Section 263.403 of the Family Code, regardless of when those orders were issued, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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