SB 1148

relating to required training for caregivers to children, including
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 42.0537, Human Resources Code, is
amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsections
(b-1) and (b-2) to read as follows:
(a)  The department and each single source continuum
contractor shall include a provision in each contract with a
child-placing agency with whom children in the managing
conservatorship of the department are placed that requires the
child-placing agency to provide competency-based, preservice
training to a potential caregiver before the child-placing agency
verifies or approves the caregiver as a foster or adoptive home.
Except as provided by Subsection (d), the amount of training
required by this subsection may not exceed 20 [35] hours.
(b)  The department shall adopt policies to ensure that each
potential caregiver receives competency-based, preservice training
before the department verifies or approves the caregiver as a
foster or adoptive home.  Except as provided by Subsection (d), the
amount of training required by this subsection may not exceed 20
(b-1)  Prior to licensure renewal, each caregiver shall
successfully complete competency-based, annual training on
subjects affecting the daily living experiences of foster parenting
and the needs of children in care. The amount of annual training
required of each caregiver may not exceed 10 hours. The department,
single source continuum contractor, or child-placing agency
licensing the caregiver shall ensure that required annual training
subjects are relevant to the caregiver's license or the unique
needs of the children placed with the caregiver. The commissioner
and executive commissioner shall collaborate to adopt rules
necessary to implement this subsection.
(b-2)  A foster parent may waive the daily reimbursement rate
for foster care services. If the foster parent elects to waive the
daily reimbursement rate, the foster parent shall be exempt from
the annual training requirements under Subsection (b-1) except for
any training the department, child-placing agency, or single source
continuum contractor determines is necessary to meet the unique
needs of the child placed with the foster parent. Such training may
not exceed five hours per year. The commissioner and executive
commissioner shall collaborate to adopt rules necessary to
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.