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 accessible, the court may request another party to provide it. Additionally, the court is authorized to seek alternative proof of the parents' identities if the birth certificate does not name both parents or is unavailable. 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 law and to submit a child's birth certificate or proof of the parents' identities as outlined in the new subsection. The changes will apply to suits filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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)