H.B. No. 5255 amends the Family Code to establish new policies regarding the removal and placement of children by the Department of Family and Protective Services. Specifically, the bill introduces two new subsections: Section 262.114(e) prohibits the department from considering the citizenship or immigration status of a relative or designated caregiver when making placement decisions for a child. Additionally, Section 262.116(a-1) states that the department cannot consider the citizenship or immigration status of a child's parent when deciding whether to take possession of a child.

These changes aim to ensure that decisions regarding child placement are made without bias related to immigration status, thereby promoting the welfare of children and maintaining family connections regardless of the legal status of caregivers or parents. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 262.114, Family Code 262.116 (Family Code 262)