The bill, S.B. No. 1149, aims to amend the Human Resources Code concerning child welfare regulations, specifically focusing on licensure, community-based care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities. A significant addition is the introduction of Section 42.0413, which exempts "single source continuum contractors" from needing a child-placing agency license to fulfill their contractual obligations with the Department of Family and Protective Services. However, these contractors must still comply with other applicable laws and regulations regarding child welfare services. The bill also modifies existing requirements for liability insurance coverage, reducing the required amount from $300,000 to $100,000 for both licensed facilities and listed family homes.

Additionally, the bill updates the eligibility criteria for child-care and child-placing agency administrator licenses, allowing for educational or experiential equivalents to a bachelor's degree in relevant fields. It also changes the renewal fee structure for expired licenses and repeals a specific section of the code. The commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes by December 1, 2025, ensuring that the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system remain a priority. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with certain provisions starting on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 42.043, Human Resources Code 42.049, Human Resources Code 42.0495, Human Resources Code 42.051, Human Resources Code 42.068, Human Resources Code 43.004, Human Resources Code 43.009, Human Resources Code 42.0431 (Human Resources Code 42, Human Resources Code 43)