The bill, H.B. No. 4730, aims to amend the Family Code and Human Resources Code in Texas regarding the voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, adoption processes, and the regulation of child-placing agencies. Key changes include the requirement for an affidavit for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights to be on a form adopted by the Department of Family and Protective Services, which must be made publicly accessible online. The bill also introduces a new subsection that outlines the rights of parents considering relinquishment, including the ability to seek child support, explore alternatives to adoption, and receive information about post-adoption contact agreements. Additionally, it establishes that relinquishments designating the Department or a licensed agency as the managing conservator are irrevocable, while others remain revocable for up to 60 days.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department to create a form to inform prospective adoptive parents of their rights, including access to medical records and information about the child's history. It also enhances the regulatory framework for child-placing agencies by establishing minimum training standards for agency staff and requiring annual compliance reporting and random audits. The bill sets a timeline for the implementation of these changes, with forms and rules to be adopted by specified dates, and it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 161.103, Human Resources Code 42.0421 (Family Code 161, Human Resources Code 42)