By: Cook, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hancock) H.B. No. 2969
         (In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 2023;
  May 11, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Health &
  Human Services; May 18, 2023, reported favorably by the following
  vote:  Yeas 8, Nays 0; May 18, 2023, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to prohibiting a maximum age or age differential for
  prospective adoptive parents.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter G, Chapter 162, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 162.604 to read as follows:
         Sec. 162.604.  MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS
  PROHIBITED. (a)  The Department of Family and Protective Services,
  a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing
  agency that places a child for adoption may not implement or enforce
  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)  Subject to Subsection (a), the Department of Family and
  Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a
  licensed child-placing agency may consider the health and expected
  lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the
  best interest of a child.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
 
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