The proposed bill, known as the Safe Haven Act, aims to regulate parental reunification therapy in cases affecting the parent-child relationship. It introduces two new sections to the Family Code: Section 153.0101, which outlines the conditions under which a court may order parental reunification therapy, and Section 153.0102, which establishes requirements for therapy providers. Notably, the bill stipulates that a child cannot be compelled to participate in such therapy without the consent of both parents. Additionally, it prohibits any court-ordered therapy that could result in restrictions on the child's contact with their other parent or family members, as well as any form of coercion or threats against the child.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that entities providing parental reunification therapy must operate under a detailed contract that outlines their processes and is signed by all parties involved. It also allows individuals to file complaints against entities that violate these provisions with the appropriate licensing authority. The bill is designed to apply to both pending and future suits affecting the parent-child relationship and establishes that its enactment constitutes a significant change in circumstances that could warrant modifications to existing court orders regarding child custody or access. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()