The bill, S.B. No. 2165, aims to amend the Family Code to prevent the dismissal of certain legal suits affecting the parent-child relationship when a child is missing from their substitute care provider. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 263.4012, which mandates that courts retain jurisdiction and cannot dismiss such suits if it is determined that the child is missing. This provision is designed to ensure that cases involving the Department of Family and Protective Services are not prematurely closed when a child is unaccounted for.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 263.501(g) of the Family Code to clarify that a court conducting permanency hearings for a child under the department's care cannot dismiss a suit affecting the parent-child relationship while the child is either committed to or under the supervision of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, or if the child is missing from their substitute care provider. The language that previously allowed for dismissal under certain conditions has been removed, reinforcing the bill's intent to protect the interests of children in these situations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 263.501 (Family Code 263)