The bill proposes the establishment of the Texas Adoption Assistance Program, which aims to support adoptive parents by providing financial assistance for adoption-related expenses. It introduces a new subchapter in the Family Code, specifically Subchapter I, which outlines definitions, eligibility requirements, and the administration of the program. Key definitions include "adoption assistance grant," "certified organization," "eligible parent," and "program money." The comptroller is tasked with establishing and administering the program, certifying organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria, and ensuring compliance through annual audits.
Eligible parents can receive adoption assistance grants based on their household income, with varying percentages of reimbursement for adoption-related expenses. The bill specifies the maximum grant amounts and outlines the application process for eligible parents. Additionally, certified organizations are required to distribute a significant portion of their donations as grants and may receive state matching funds for the grants they provide. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()