The bill amends various sections of the Texas Family Code regarding the procedures and grounds for the termination of the parent-child relationship. Key changes include the requirement for courts to find "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" instead of "clear and convincing evidence" for termination grounds, which applies to several subsections. The bill also introduces new grounds for termination, such as if a parent has engaged in conduct that resulted in the child being born addicted to substances or if the parent has been convicted of serious offenses against the other parent. Additionally, the bill specifies that evidence of certain factors, such as economic disadvantage or nonviolent misdemeanor charges, cannot be used as grounds for termination.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain provisions of the Family Code and clarifies the roles of the Department of Family and Protective Services in termination cases. It mandates that courts provide detailed written findings regarding the department's efforts to return the child to the parent and the continuing dangers that prevent such return. The changes will only apply to suits filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 161.001, Family Code 161.007, Family Code 161.206, Family Code 161.302 (Family Code 161)