S.B. No. 1724 proposes comprehensive amendments to the Texas Family Code to enhance the recognition of same-sex marriages and parenting relationships. A significant addition is Section 1.0015, which requires that gender-specific terms related to marriage and parenting be interpreted in a neutral manner, promoting inclusivity for same-sex couples. The bill also modifies existing language throughout the Family Code, replacing terms such as "man and woman" with "two individuals" and "husband and wife" with "spouses." This change affirms the legal status of same-sex marriages and ensures equal rights and responsibilities for all individuals under Texas law. Additionally, the bill removes outdated provisions that criminalized homosexual conduct, reflecting a modern understanding of family structures.

Beyond the Family Code, the bill amends various other codes, including the Agriculture, Alcoholic Beverage, Estates, Finance, Government, and Health and Safety Codes, to update legal language and clarify family law provisions. It emphasizes the importance of written agreements for joint accounts and outlines the responsibilities of spouses regarding community property. The bill also repeals certain outdated provisions, including Sections 810.001(h) and (i) of the Government Code and Section 21.06 of the Penal Code, while amending the Health and Safety Code to shift the focus from mandates on sexual abstinence to promoting education on preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. The changes aim to modernize the legal framework surrounding family law, ensuring it is equitable and reflective of contemporary family structures, with an effective date set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 2.001, Family Code 2.004, Family Code 2.007, Family Code 2.401, Family Code 2.402, Family Code 3.401, Family Code 6.202, Family Code 6.203, Family Code 6.704, Family Code 108.009, Family Code 152.310, Family Code 153.312, Family Code 153.313, Family Code 159.316, Family Code 162.014, Agriculture Code 72.026, Agriculture Code 167.055, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.53, Estates Code 121.151, Estates Code 1104.001, Finance Code 65.103, Finance Code 342.501, Finance Code 342.201, Government Code 24.601, Government Code 573.025, Government Code 662.071, Government Code 810.001, Health and Safety Code 85.007, Health and Safety Code 21.06, Health and Safety Code 163.002, Health and Safety Code 193.006, Health and Safety Code 574.045, Penal Code 21.11, Penal Code 25.01, Penal Code 21.06, Property Code 222.006 (Penal Code 21, Family Code 6, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109, Agriculture Code 167, Property Code 222, Family Code 108, Government Code 810, Family Code 159, Family Code 3, Government Code 24, Health and Safety Code 21, Family Code 162, Government Code 573, Finance Code 65, Health and Safety Code 193, Finance Code 342, Family Code 152, Health and Safety Code 574, Agriculture Code 72, Health and Safety Code 163, Penal Code 25, Government Code 662, Health and Safety Code 85, Family Code 153, Estates Code 1104, Family Code 2, Estates Code 121)