BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2969
88R10959 AMF-D	By: Cook et al. (Hancock)
	Health & Human Services
	5/13/2023
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

It has been reported that some families have faced difficulties pursuing adoption due to age-restrictive policies. H.B. 2969 prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency from setting a maximum age for prospective adoptive parents or a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.

 

H.B. 2969 amends current law relating to prohibiting a maximum age or age differential for prospective adoptive 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 G, Chapter 162, Family Code, by adding Section 162.604, as follows:

 

Sec. 162.604.� MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS PROHIBITED.� (a) Prohibits the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency that places a child for adoption from implementing or enforcing 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)� Authorizes DFPS, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency, subject to Subsection (a), to consider the health and expected lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the best interest of a child.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.