H.B. No. 4611 amends various sections of the Texas Family Code to streamline processes related to voluntary registries for adoption and parental rights termination. Key changes include a requirement for the vital statistics unit to provide search results from the registry within ten business days of a request, and the elimination of mandatory inquiry fees for adoptees, birth parents, or siblings seeking information. Additionally, the bill allows applicants to submit their registration applications electronically and removes the requirement for applicants to pay registration fees, focusing instead on proof of identity and eligibility.

Further amendments include the introduction of an online submission portal for applications, the addition of an email address as a required contact detail, and a provision for the administrator to attempt to contact registrants via email if discrepancies arise during a match confirmation. The bill also repeals certain sections that previously mandated counseling and certification before disclosures could be made. Overall, these changes aim to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the adoption registry process while ensuring that necessary identity verification remains in place. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 162.407, Family Code 162.409, Family Code 162.411, Family Code 162.412, Family Code 162.416, Family Code 162.413 (Family Code 162)
House Committee Report: Family Code 162.407, Family Code 162.409, Family Code 162.411, Family Code 162.412, Family Code 162.416, Family Code 162.413 (Family Code 162)
Engrossed: Family Code 160.422, Family Code 162.405, Family Code 162.407, Family Code 162.409, Family Code 162.412, Family Code 162.416, Family Code 162.411 (Family Code 160, Family Code 162)