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 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 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 post-case dismissal to promote family stability after reunification, with a gradual reduction of 25 percent in assistance each month during the extension period. The law applies to any orders rendered under Section 263.403, regardless of when they were issued, and is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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