S.B. No. 1141 aims to enhance the legal process surrounding suits affecting the parent-child relationship, specifically by ensuring that certain notices are confirmed before the commencement of a full adversary hearing. The bill introduces a new section, 262.2011, to the Family Code, which mandates that the court must confirm in writing and in open court that the Department of Family and Protective Services has informed the alleged perpetrator of their rights prior to any interviews. These rights include the ability to create an audio or video recording of the interview and to request an administrative review of the department's findings. Additionally, the bill requires confirmation that the department provided the necessary information to the alleged perpetrator when first contacting them after initiating an investigation.

The provisions of this bill will apply to any suits filed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while suits filed before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This legislative change is designed to ensure that individuals involved in such sensitive legal matters are adequately informed of their rights and the procedures being followed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

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