BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 475
86R35626 MM-D	By: Howard; Wu (Watson)
	Health & Human Services
	5/19/2019
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Concerns have been raised over various challenges faced by children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) who are pregnant or who are minor parents. It has been suggested that this population of youth should have better access to certain information on providing safe environments for children. H.B. 475 seeks to address these concerns by requiring DFPS to ensure that such children receive this type of information at developmentally appropriate stages. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.H.B. 475 amends current law relating to information for foster children who are pregnant or minor parents.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 264, Family Code, by adding Section 264.130, as follows:

Sec. 264.130. PREGNANCY AND PARENTING INFORMATION. Requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) at developmentally appropriate stages to ensure that children in the managing conservatorship of DFPS who are pregnant or who are minor parents receive information on and support in providing safe environments for children, including information and support regarding:

(1) safe sleeping arrangements;

(2) suggestions for childproofing potentially dangerous settings in a home;

(3) child development and methods to cope with challenging behaviors;

(4) selection of appropriate substitute caregivers;

(5) a child's early brain development, including the importance of meeting an infant's developmental needs by providing positive experiences and avoiding adverse experiences;

(6) the importance of paternal involvement in a child's life and methods for coparenting;

(7) the benefits of reading, singing, and talking to young children;

(8) the importance of prenatal and postpartum care for both the mother and infant, including the impact of and signs for perinatal mood disorders;

(9) infant nutrition and the importance of breastfeeding; and�

(10) healthy relationships, including the prevention of intimate partner violence.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.