HB 2399
AN ACT relating to procedures and required findings in certain suits
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Modifies legal procedures in Texas family court cases involving parent-child relationships by requiring judges to provide detailed, specific written findings explaining their decisions. When determining whether parents can provide a safe environment for a child or making other critical rulings, courts must now enumerate the precise facts and circumstances supporting their conclusions, rather than simply referencing court records. The new requirements aim to increase transparency and clarity in judicial decision-making, ensuring that the reasoning behind potentially life-changing child welfare determinations is explicitly documented.
Bill Text
relating to procedures and required findings in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 263.002, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: (c-1) In making the required findings under Subsection (c), the court shall include the findings in a separate section of its order and enumerate with specificity the facts and the circumstances that serve as the basis for the court's findings. Merely citing the record of the proceedings or incorporating it by reference is insufficient to meet the requirements of this SECTION 2. Section 263.306, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-2) to read as follows: (a-2) If the court determines under Subsection (a-1)(6) that the child's parents are unwilling or unable to provide the child with a safe environment, the court shall include in a separate section of its order written findings describing with specificity the facts and the circumstances that serve as the basis for the court's determination that the child's parents are unwilling or unable to provide the child with a safe environment. Merely citing the record of the proceedings or incorporating it by reference is insufficient to meet the requirements of this subsection. SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply to an action that is pending on or filed on or after the effective date of SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to procedures and required findings in certain suits
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