House Bill No. 5415 amends Section 264.155(a) of the Family Code to establish new contract requirements for single source continuum contractors providing community-based care services in Texas. The bill mandates that contracts include provisions for a timeline for implementing case management and family reunification support services, conditions for data access, a unified training process for alternative caregivers, and the maintenance of a diverse network of service providers. Additionally, it allows the Department of Family and Protective Services to conduct performance reviews, impose financial penalties for unmet outcomes, and award incentives for exceeding performance goals.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for contractors to prioritize employment for affected department employees, engage with local stakeholders, comply with court orders, and grants the department the discretion to reclaim or transfer case management authority over cases in a catchment area. The changes will apply only to contracts entered into or modified after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that existing contracts remain governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.155 (Family Code 264)