By: Cook, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hancock) H.B. No. 2969

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 2023; May 11, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Health & Human Services; May 18, 2023, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; May 18, 2023, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to prohibiting a maximum age or age differential for prospective adoptive parents.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter G, Chapter 162, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 162.604 to read as follows:

Sec. 162.604. MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS PROHIBITED. (a) The Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency that places a child for adoption may not implement or enforce a policy that:

(1) sets a maximum age for any prospective adoptive parent; or

(2) sets a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.

(b) Subject to Subsection (a), the Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency may consider the health and expected lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the best interest of a child.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

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