H.B. No. 4730 aims to enhance the processes surrounding the voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, adoption, and the regulation of child-placing agencies in Texas. Key amendments include the requirement for an affidavit for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights to be on a form adopted by the Health and Human Services Commission in conjunction with the Department of Family and Protective Services. This form must provide detailed information about the circumstances under which the relinquishment can be revoked, the parent's rights regarding child support, alternatives to adoption, and access to legal counsel and post-adoption resources. Additionally, the bill establishes that relinquishments designating the Department of Family and Protective Services or a licensed child-placing agency as the managing conservator are irrevocable, while other relinquishments remain revocable for 60 days.

The bill also introduces new provisions for prospective adoptive parents, mandating that they receive a notice outlining their rights related to adoption, including access to medical records, legal documents, and post-adoption resources. Furthermore, it sets forth minimum training standards for employees of child-placing agencies, including training on parental rights and relinquishment procedures. The Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting necessary forms and rules to implement these changes by specified deadlines, with the act set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 161.103, Human Resources Code 42.0421 (Human Resources Code 42, Family Code 161)
House Committee Report: Family Code 161.103, Human Resources Code 42.0421 (Human Resources Code 42, Family Code 161)
Engrossed: Family Code 161.103, Human Resources Code 42.0421 (Human Resources Code 42, Family Code 161)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 161.103, Human Resources Code 42.0421 (Human Resources Code 42, Family Code 161)