Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES/Child Custody
77 th Texas Legislature
Adoption Assistance Until Child Turns 21 Years of Age - H.B. 1921
by Representative Maxey
Senate Sponsor: Senator Gallegos
Current law authorizes the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to pay foster care assistance
for certain children after the children become 18 years of age. Adoptive assistance, however, ends once a
child turns 18.
Sets forth provisions regarding the continuation of adoption assistance to the adoptive parents after a
child's 18th birthday until the child’s 21 st birthday, under certain conditions.
Timely Action in Suits Terminating the Parent-Child Relationship - H.B. 2249
by Representatives Goodman and Capelo
Senate Sponsor: Senator Harris
Clarifies the circumstances under which a continuance or dismissal of a suit affecting the parent-child
relationship may be granted.
Addresses post-judgment appellate delays by subjecting the appellate proceedings to the rules of the
supreme court for accelerated appeals in civil cases.
Speeding Up Suits Terminating the Parent-Child Relationship - H.B. 2381
by Representative Thompson
Senate Sponsor: Senator West
Prohibits a court, in a suit brought by the state or its political subdivision, from suspending an order or
judgment terminating the parent-child relationship while the order or judgement is on appeal.
Requires the appellate courts to accelerate an appeal in a suit concerning the termination of the parentchild
relationship.
Senate Research Center 113