The bill, H.B. No. 2144, 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.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 162.0062 by granting prospective adoptive parents the right to examine the child's history records, including confidential information, while ensuring the identities of biological parents and other confidential individuals are protected. It introduces requirements for redacting social security numbers and editing records to safeguard identities. A nondisclosure agreement must be signed by prospective adoptive parents before receiving confidential information, which must be provided within 90 days of 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)