80R8289 MCK-D
 
  By: Garcia H.B. No. 3537
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the adoption of a child by a person serving in the
  military.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 162, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 162.0025 to read as follows:
         Sec. 162.0025.  ADOPTION SOUGHT BY MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER.
  In a suit for adoption, the fact that a petitioner is a member of the
  armed forces of the United States, a member of the Texas National
  Guard or the National Guard of another state, or a member of a
  reserve component of the armed forces of the United States may not
  be considered by the court, or any person performing a social study
  or home screening, as a negative factor in determining whether the
  adoption is in the best interest of the child or whether the
  petitioner would be a suitable parent.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies to a
  petition for adoption pending in a trial court on the effective date
  of this Act or filed on or after that date.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2007.