The bill, S.B. No. 1141, introduces new procedures for suits affecting the parent-child relationship that are filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. It adds Section 262.2011 to the Family Code, which mandates that before a full adversary hearing begins, the court must confirm in writing and in open court that the alleged perpetrator has been informed of their rights. These rights include the ability to record interviews and request an administrative review of findings. Additionally, the Department must provide the alleged perpetrator with specific information upon first contact during an investigation.

If the court finds that the alleged perpetrator was not adequately informed of their rights or did not receive the required information, it cannot consider any evidence gathered from the perpetrator during the investigation or interview. However, there is an exception that allows the court to consider such evidence if it believes there is imminent danger to a child. The bill specifies that these changes will apply to suits filed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, while suits filed before this date will be governed by the previous law.

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