87R13534 TYPED
 
  By: Leach H.B. No. 3231
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the rights and duties of parents and the protection of
  parental rights in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 151, Family Code, is amended by adding
  Section 151.004 to read as follows:
         Sec. 151.004.  FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF PARENTS. (a) A parent
  is presumed to be a fit parent who acts in the best interest of his
  or her child.
         (b)  The fundamental right of a parent to raise his or her
  child includes but is not limited to the right to direct and make
  decisions for the care, custody, control, education, upbringing,
  moral and religious training, and medical care of the child.
         (c)  In a suit between a parent and a non-parent, a parent who
  has suffered an infringement of his or her fundamental right under
  subsection (b) by a non-parent may raise subsection (d) as a
  defense.
         (d)  A court may not order any relief that conflicts with a
  parent's fundamental right under Subsection (b) unless the court
  finds that the requested relief is necessary to prevent a
  significant impairment of the child’s physical health or emotional
  well-being.
         (e)  This section may not be construed to limit the rights of
  the state, including the right to investigate or act on a report of
  child abuse or neglect allegedly committed by a person responsible
  for a child's care, custody, or welfare, beyond the limitations
  required by the United States Constitution.
         (f)  This section does not apply to an action for child
  support.
         SECTION 2.  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, 2021.