H.B. No. 2144 amends the Family Code to enhance access to information during the adoption process. It requires the Department of Family and Protective Services, licensed child-placing agencies, or the child's parent or guardian to compile and distribute a report on the child's health, social, educational, and genetic history before adoption. The bill specifies that this report must be provided to relevant parties within 30 days after the child's permanency plan is changed to include adoption. Additionally, it entitles 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 introduces several key provisions, including the requirement for the redaction of social security numbers and the editing of records to safeguard the identities of various individuals involved in the adoption process. Prospective adoptive parents must also sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving confidential information. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the requested information be provided within 90 days. These changes aim to streamline the adoption process while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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