H.B. No. 2216 amends the Texas Family Code to revise the procedures and grounds for the removal and placement of children, particularly focusing on the termination of the parent-child relationship. A significant change introduced by the bill is the requirement for courts to find grounds for termination "beyond a reasonable doubt," raising the standard from "clear and convincing evidence." The bill also introduces the term "active efforts," which refers to the proactive measures that the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) must take to support families in maintaining or reuniting with their children. Additionally, it clarifies that factors such as poverty or inadequate housing do not alone constitute evidence of potential harm to the child, and mandates that courts document the department's efforts and the rationale for decisions regarding child placement.

The legislation further enhances the processes surrounding child welfare by establishing a preference hierarchy for placement decisions, prioritizing relatives and individuals with significant relationships to the child. It allows for the creation of a limited service plan when a parent has subjected a child to aggravated circumstances, ensuring that DFPS makes active efforts to return the child while focusing on safety and compliance with court orders. The bill also emphasizes the necessity of regular reviews of the child's living arrangements and the support provided by DFPS, while expanding the use of technology to facilitate participation in court proceedings. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to cases filed after this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 161.003, Family Code 161.101, Family Code 161.206, Family Code 262.001, Family Code 262.014, Family Code 262.101, Family Code 262.102, Family Code 262.105, Family Code 262.107, Family Code 262.114, Family Code 262.201, Family Code 262.2015, Family Code 263.202, Family Code 263.5031, Family Code 263.602, Family Code 264.0091 (Family Code 161, Family Code 264, Family Code 262, Family Code 263)
House Committee Report: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 161.003, Family Code 161.101, Family Code 161.206, Family Code 262.001, Family Code 262.014, Family Code 262.101, Family Code 262.102, Family Code 262.105, Family Code 262.107, Family Code 262.114, Family Code 262.201, Family Code 262.2015, Family Code 263.202, Family Code 263.5031, Family Code 263.602, Family Code 264.0091 (Family Code 161, Family Code 264, Family Code 262, Family Code 263)
Engrossed: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 161.003, Family Code 161.101, Family Code 161.206, Family Code 262.001, Family Code 262.014, Family Code 262.101, Family Code 262.102, Family Code 262.105, Family Code 262.107, Family Code 262.114, Family Code 262.201, Family Code 262.2015, Family Code 263.202, Family Code 263.5031, Family Code 263.602, Family Code 264.0091 (Family Code 161, Family Code 264, Family Code 262, Family Code 263)