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, and guardians to compile and distribute a report on a child's health, social, educational, and genetic history before adoption. The bill specifies that this report must be provided within 30 days after a 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 new provisions, including the requirement for prospective adoptive parents to sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving confidential information. It also mandates that the relevant agencies provide the requested information within 90 days. The amendments aim to streamline the adoption process while safeguarding the privacy of individuals involved. 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)