S.B. No. 500 amends the Family Code to enhance access to information during the adoption process. It requires the Department of Family and Protective Services, licensed child-placing agencies, and the child's parents or guardians to compile and distribute a report detailing the child's health, social, educational, and genetic history before adoption. The bill specifies that this report must be provided to relevant parties within 45 days after certain events, such as a change in the child's permanency plan goal to adoption or a court order terminating parental rights.

Additionally, the bill grants prospective adoptive parents the right to examine records related to the child's history, including confidential information, while ensuring the protection of the identities of biological parents and other individuals. It mandates that a nondisclosure agreement must be signed by prospective adoptive parents before receiving confidential information and requires that this information be provided within 90 days of the request. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 162.005, Family Code 162.0062 (Family Code 162)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 162.005, Family Code 162.0062 (Family Code 162)
Engrossed: Family Code 162.005, Family Code 162.0062 (Family Code 162)
House Committee Report: Family Code 162.005, Family Code 162.0062 (Family Code 162)
Enrolled: Family Code 162.005, Family Code 162.0062 (Family Code 162)