HB 3759
AN ACT relating to the emergency possession of certain abandoned children
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
Allows designated emergency infant care providers to take possession of an abandoned child under one year old when the parent voluntarily leaves the child with an employee or in a newborn safety device, without requiring a court order. The legislation considers this action as a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, providing a safe way for parents to surrender an infant without facing criminal prosecution. The law aims to protect infants and provide a legal mechanism for parents who cannot care for their child to safely and anonymously transfer custody.
Bill Text
relating to the emergency possession of certain abandoned children by designated emergency infant care providers and the termination of parental rights to those children. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 262.302, Family Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as (a) A designated emergency infant care provider shall, without a court order, take possession of a child who appears to be younger than one year [60 days] old [or younger] if: (1) the child is voluntarily delivered to the provider (A) leaving the child with an employee of the (B) placing the child in a newborn safety device located inside the provider's facilities; and (2) the parent did not express an intent to return for (a-1) A parent who voluntarily delivers the parent's child to a designated emergency infant care provider under Subsection (a) is considered to have voluntarily relinquished the parent's SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the emergency possession of certain abandoned children
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