HB 215

relating to the payment of support rights and benefits for a child
placed with a relative or other designated caregiver.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 264.109(a), Family Code, is amended to
(a)  Except as provided by Section 264.763, the [The]
placement of a child in substitute care by the department
constitutes an assignment to the state of any support rights
attributable to the child as of the date the child is placed in
SECTION 2.  Subchapter I, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
amended by adding Section 264.763 to read as follows:
Sec. 264.763.  PAYMENT OF CHILD'S SUPPORT RIGHTS AND
BENEFITS.  A relative or other designated caregiver is eligible to
receive support and benefits on behalf of a child placed with the
person by the department. The department shall facilitate:
(1)  the assignment to the relative or other designated
caregiver of any support rights attributable to the child; and
(2)  the designation of the relative or other
designated caregiver as the representative payee for any programs,
services, and payments to which the child is entitled or that are
paid for the benefit of the child, including Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) benefits under 42 U.S.C. Section 1381 et seq.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.