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, or the child's parent or guardian 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 identities of biological parents and other confidential individuals are protected. It mandates that social security numbers be redacted and that a nondisclosure agreement must be signed by prospective adoptive parents before receiving confidential information. The information must 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)