House Bill No. 2159 amends the Family Code to clarify the capacity of minors to consent to medical treatment for themselves and their children. The bill updates the heading of Chapter 32 to reflect that it pertains to "Consent to Certain Treatment, Care, and Services for Minor Parent or Child." It also revises Section 32.003(a) to specify that a minor who is unmarried and has actual custody of their child can consent to medical, dental, psychological, and surgical treatment for that child.
Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 32.0031, which explicitly allows a minor parent to consent to treatment for their child, provided they are unmarried and have custody. This change aims to ensure that minor parents have the legal authority to make necessary health care decisions for their children. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 32.003, Subchapter A, Chapter , Family Code 164.052 (Family Code 32, Subchapter A, Chapter , Family Code 164)
House Committee Report: Family Code 32.003, Subchapter A, Chapter , Family Code 164.052 (Family Code 32, Subchapter A, Chapter , Family Code 164)
Engrossed: Family Code 32.003, Subchapter A, Chapter , Family Code 164.052 (Family Code 32, Subchapter A, Chapter , Family Code 164)