The bill would allow a parent to file suit to modify a final order under the subchapter under certain circumstances.
The bill would require, if the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is appointed as a child's managing conservator in a final order that does not include a termination of parental rights, or if DFPS is not dismissed from the suit in a final order that appoints a person who is not the child's parent as the child's managing conservator and that does not include termination of parental rights, that a permanency hearing be conducted every six months until the DFPS is no longer the child's managing conservator or until DFPS is dismissed from the suit.
The bill would also require DFPS to review a child's placement at each permanency heating after the second anniversary of the date the court rendered the final order appointing a person who is not the child's parent as the child's managing conservator.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration and DFPS, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the bill could be accomplished utilizing available resources. In addition, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated with the implementation of the bill.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.