House Bill No. 5136 amends the Family Code and Government Code to establish new regulations regarding the governing board of children's advocacy centers in Texas. Key provisions include a limit on board membership, stipulating that individuals may not serve for more than ten years, and establishing eligibility criteria that disqualify individuals who have resigned or been removed from the board, or who are related to current board members within the fifth degree. Additionally, the bill mandates that meetings of the governing board must adhere to the open meetings law, ensuring transparency and public access.

The bill also outlines specific requirements for posting meeting notices, either through notification to county clerks or by posting on the center's website. It includes a provision that allows the board to hold closed meetings when discussing matters that involve personally identifiable information about clients. Furthermore, existing board members who have served for ten or more years as of the bill's effective date are allowed to continue their service for an additional two years. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.404, Government Code 551.001 (Government Code 551, Family Code 264)