S.B. No. 500 aims to enhance access to information during the adoption process in Texas. The bill amends Sections 162.005 and 162.0062 of the Family Code, requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services, licensed child-placing agencies, and guardians to compile and distribute a report on a child's health, social, educational, and genetic history before adoption. The report must be provided within 45 days after the child's permanency plan goal is changed to adoption or after a court order terminating parental rights is issued. Additionally, prospective adoptive parents are entitled to examine records related to the child's history, including confidential information, while ensuring the identities of biological parents and other confidential individuals are protected.

The bill introduces several specific requirements for the handling of confidential information. It mandates that social security numbers be redacted and that the identities of biological siblings, their adoptive parents, and individuals who reported abuse or neglect be protected. Furthermore, prospective adoptive parents must sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving confidential information, and the relevant agencies must provide this information within 90 days of the request. The provisions of this act are 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)