H.B. No. 1151 amends the Texas Family Code to clarify the definitions and conditions surrounding child neglect and the termination of the parent-child relationship. The bill specifies that certain factors, such as homeschooling, economic disadvantage, nonviolent misdemeanor charges, and the refusal to administer psychotropic medications or alternative health treatments, do not constitute sufficient grounds for a court to terminate parental rights or for the Department of Family and Protective Services to take possession of a child. New provisions have been added to ensure that a parent's refusal to consent to medical treatments is only considered neglect if it presents a substantial risk of harm to the child or results in observable impairment to the child's development.

Additionally, the bill updates the definition of "neglect" to include specific acts or failures to act that demonstrate blatant disregard for a child's welfare, while also clarifying what does not constitute neglect. The changes aim to protect parental rights and ensure that decisions made by parents regarding their children's care, particularly in relation to medical treatments and independent activities, are respected unless they pose a significant risk to the child's health or safety. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to suits filed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.116 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Family Code 262)
House Committee Report: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.116 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Family Code 262)
Engrossed: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.116 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Family Code 262)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.116 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Family Code 262)
Enrolled: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 261.001, Family Code 262.116 (Family Code 161, Family Code 261, Family Code 262)