The bill, S.B. No. 500, aims to enhance access to information during the adoption process in Texas. It amends Sections 162.005(b) and (c) of the Family Code to require that before placing a child for adoption, a report on the child's health, social, educational, and genetic history must be compiled and distributed as mandated by the chapter. Additionally, it stipulates that the Department of Family and Protective Services must ensure that relevant parties receive a copy of the report within 30 days after the child's permanency plan is updated to include adoption.

Further amendments to Section 162.0062 expand the rights of prospective adoptive parents 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 mandates that social security numbers be redacted and that a nondisclosure agreement must be signed by prospective adoptive parents before receiving confidential information. It also establishes a timeline for the provision of this information, requiring it to be delivered no later than 90 days after the request. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 162.005, Family Code 162.0062 (Family Code 162)