H.B. No. 116 amends the Texas Family Code to update the grounds for the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship. The bill introduces new legal language that allows the court to order termination if a parent has engaged in specific conduct, including being convicted of serious offenses such as murder or sexual assault against the other parent, or if the parent has been placed on community supervision for such offenses. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a parent may be deemed to have constructively abandoned a child if they have not maintained significant contact and have demonstrated an inability to provide a safe environment.

The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding financial support obligations for parents whose rights have been terminated, specifying that they must support a child in substitute care until certain conditions are met, such as the child's adoption or reaching adulthood. The changes in law apply to any pending or new suits affecting the parent-child relationship as of the effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 161.001 (Family Code 161)
House Committee Report: Family Code 161.001 (Family Code 161)
Engrossed: Family Code 161.001 (Family Code 161)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 161.001 (Family Code 161)
Enrolled: Family Code 161.001 (Family Code 161)