H.B. No. 3783 amends Section 153.010 of the Family Code to enhance the court's authority regarding court-ordered counseling in cases affecting the parent-child relationship, particularly when there is a history of conflict between the parties. The bill stipulates that if the court finds such a history, it may order a party to participate in counseling with a qualified mental health professional and cover the associated costs. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions that require the court to consider evidence of family violence or sexual abuse when determining whether to mandate counseling. If credible evidence is presented, the court is prohibited from ordering joint counseling sessions for victims and perpetrators, as well as from requiring victims to pay for counseling costs.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific restrictions on the nature of counseling that can be ordered. It prohibits any counseling arrangement that isolates the child from their support systems, requires the child to stay overnight in an out-of-state location, or involves coercive actions that jeopardize the child's safety. The changes made by this Act are applicable to ongoing and future suits affecting the parent-child relationship and are deemed significant enough to warrant modifications to existing court orders regarding child possession or access. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both legislative houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Family Code 153.010 (Family Code 153)
Engrossed: Family Code 153.010 (Family Code 153)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 153.010 (Family Code 153)
Enrolled: Family Code 153.010 (Family Code 153)