H.B. No. 1534 aims to enhance the procedural requirements for suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill introduces a new section, 262.2011, to the Family Code, which mandates that before the full adversary hearing begins, the court must confirm in writing and in open court that the DFPS has provided certain notices. Specifically, the DFPS must inform the alleged perpetrator of their rights to record interviews and request an administrative review of findings. Additionally, the DFPS is required to provide information to the person under investigation as soon as possible after initiating the investigation.

The provisions of this bill will apply to any suits filed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. For suits filed before this date, the existing laws will remain in effect. This legislative change is intended to ensure that individuals involved in such legal proceedings are adequately informed of their rights and the processes that affect them.

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