H.B. No. 1973 amends the Family Code to enhance the requirements for proving the identity of a child's parents in legal proceedings affecting the parent-child relationship. The bill introduces a new subsection (c-1) that mandates petitioners to submit a certified copy of the child's birth certificate if available. If the birth certificate is not available, the court may request another party to provide it. Additionally, if the birth certificate does not name both parents or is unavailable, the court can seek alternative proof of the parents' identities. Any documents submitted under this new provision must be filed under seal to maintain confidentiality.

The bill also modifies subsection (d) to exempt the Title IV-D agency from including certain documentation in its petitions, specifically removing the requirement to attach copies of documentation described in the previous subsection and to submit a child's birth certificate or proof of parent identity as outlined in the new subsection (c-1). The changes will apply to suits filed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, while suits filed before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 102.008 (Family Code 102)
House Committee Report: Family Code 102.008 (Family Code 102)
Engrossed: Family Code 102.008 (Family Code 102)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 102.008 (Family Code 102)
Enrolled: Family Code 102.008 (Family Code 102)