By: Wu, Raymond, Davis of Harris, Rose,	H.B. No. 7
	Zerwas, et al.

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to child protective services suits, motions, and services
	by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Section 58.0052, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
	(b-1)  In addition to the information provided under
	Subsection (b), the Department of Family and Protective Services
	and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department shall coordinate and
	develop protocols for sharing with each other, on request, any
	other information relating to a multi-system youth necessary to:
	(1)  identify and coordinate the provision of services
	to the youth and prevent duplication of services;
	(2)  enhance rehabilitation of the youth; and
	(3)  improve and maintain community safety.
	SECTION 2.  Section 102.004, Family Code, is amended by
	amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as
	follows:
	(b)  An original suit requesting possessory conservatorship
	may not be filed by a grandparent or other person. However, the
	court may grant a grandparent or other person, subject to the
	requirements of Subsection (b-1) if applicable, deemed by the court
	to have had substantial past contact with the child leave to
	intervene in a pending suit filed by a person authorized to do so
	under this chapter [subchapter] if there is satisfactory proof to
	the court that appointment of a parent as a sole managing
	conservator or both parents as joint managing conservators would
	significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional
	development.
	(b-1)  A foster parent may only be granted leave to intervene
	under Subsection (b) if the foster parent would have standing to
	file an original suit as provided by Section 102.003(a)(12).
	SECTION 3.  Section 105.002, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  The Department of Family and Protective Services in
	collaboration with interested parties, including the Permanent
	Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families, shall review
	the form of jury submissions in this state and make recommendations
	to the legislature not later than December 31, 2017, regarding
	whether broad-form or specific jury questions should be required in
	suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the
	department.  This subsection expires September 1, 2019.
	SECTION 4.  Sections 107.002(b) and (c), Family Code, are
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A guardian ad litem appointed for the child under this
	chapter shall:
	(1)  within a reasonable time after the appointment,
	interview:
	(A)  the child in a developmentally appropriate
	manner, if the child is four years of age or older;
	(B)  each person who has significant knowledge of
	the child's history and condition, including educators, child
	welfare service providers, and any foster parent of the child; and
	(C)  the parties to the suit;
	(2)  seek to elicit in a developmentally appropriate
	manner the child's expressed objectives;
	(3)  consider the child's expressed objectives without
	being bound by those objectives;
	(4)  encourage settlement and the use of alternative
	forms of dispute resolution; and
	(5)  perform any specific task directed by the court.
	(c)  A guardian ad litem appointed for the child under this
	chapter is entitled to:
	(1)  receive a copy of each pleading or other paper
	filed with the court in the case in which the guardian ad litem is
	appointed;
	(2)  receive notice of each hearing in the case;
	(3)  participate in case staffings by the Department of
	Family and Protective Services concerning the child;
	(4)  attend all legal proceedings in the case but may
	not call or question a witness or otherwise provide legal services
	unless the guardian ad litem is a licensed attorney who has been
	appointed in the dual role;
	(5)  review and sign, or decline to sign, an agreed
	order affecting the child; [and]
	(6)  explain the basis for the guardian ad litem's
	opposition to the agreed order if the guardian ad litem does not
	agree to the terms of a proposed order;
	(7)  have access to the child in the child's placement;
	(8)  be consulted and provide comments on decisions
	regarding placement, including kinship, foster care, and adoptive
	placements;
	(9)  receive notification regarding and an invitation
	to attend meetings related to the child's service plan and a copy of
	the plan; and
	(10)  attend court-ordered mediation regarding the
	child's case.
	SECTION 5.  Section 107.004, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsection (d-3) to read as follows:
	(d-3)  An attorney ad litem appointed to represent a child in
	the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and
	Protective Services shall periodically continue to review the
	child's safety and well-being, including any effects of trauma to
	the child, and take appropriate action, including requesting a
	review hearing when necessary to address an issue of concern.
	SECTION 6.  Section 107.016, Family Code, is amended to read
	as follows:
	Sec. 107.016.  CONTINUED REPRESENTATION; DURATION OF
	APPOINTMENT. In a suit filed by a governmental entity in which
	termination of the parent-child relationship or appointment of the
	entity as conservator of the child is requested:
	(1)  an order appointing the Department of Family and
	Protective Services as the child's managing conservator may provide
	for the continuation of the appointment of the guardian ad litem [or
	attorney ad litem] for the child for any period during the time the
	child remains in the conservatorship of the department, as set by
	the court; [and]
	(2)  subject to Section 263.4042, an order appointing
	the Department of Family and Protective Services as the child's
	managing conservator shall provide for the continuation of the
	appointment of the attorney ad litem for the child as long as the
	child remains in the conservatorship of the department; and
	(3)  an attorney appointed under this subchapter to
	serve as an attorney ad litem for a parent or an alleged father
	continues to serve in that capacity until the earliest of:
	(A)  the date the suit affecting the parent-child
	relationship is dismissed;
	(B)  the date all appeals in relation to any final
	order terminating parental rights are exhausted or waived; or
	(C)  the date the attorney is relieved of the
	attorney's duties or replaced by another attorney after a finding
	of good cause is rendered by the court on the record.
	SECTION 7.  Section 154.001(b), Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(b)  Unless a court has determined a parent is indigent, the
	[The] court may order either or both parents to make periodic
	payments for the support of a child in a proceeding in which the
	Department of Family and Protective [and Regulatory] Services is
	named [temporary] managing conservator.  [In a proceeding in which
	the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services is named
	permanent managing conservator of a child whose parents' rights
	have not been terminated, the court shall order each parent that is
	financially able to make periodic payments for the support of the
	child.]
	SECTION 8.  Section 155.201, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  On receiving notice that a court exercising
	jurisdiction under Chapter 262 has ordered the transfer of a suit
	under Section 262.203(a)(2), the court of continuing, exclusive
	jurisdiction shall, pursuant to the requirements of Section
	155.204(i), transfer the proceedings to the court in which the suit
	under Chapter 262 is pending.
	SECTION 9.  Section 155.204(i), Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(i)  If a transfer order has been signed by a court
	exercising jurisdiction under Chapter 262, the Department of Family
	and Protective Services shall [a party may] file the transfer order
	with the clerk of the court of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.
	On receipt and without a hearing or further order from the court of
	continuing, exclusive jurisdiction, the clerk of the court of
	continuing, exclusive jurisdiction shall transfer the files as
	provided by this subchapter.
	SECTION 10.  (a) Section 161.001, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
	(c)  A court may not make a finding under Subsection (b) and
	order termination of the parent-child relationship based on
	evidence that the parent:
	(1)  homeschooled the child;
	(2)  is economically disadvantaged;
	(3)  engaged in reasonable discipline of the child; or
	(4)  has been charged with a nonviolent misdemeanor
	offense other than:
	(A)  an offense under Title 5, Penal Code;
	(B)  an offense under Title 6, Penal Code; or
	(C)  an offense that involves family violence, as
	defined by Section 71.004 of this code;
	(5)  provided or administered:
	(A)  medical cannabis to a child for whom the
	medical cannabis was recommended under Chapter 169, Occupations
	Code; or
	(B)  a product that contains THC to a child, if the
	parent believes that the provision or administration of the product
	is in the best interest of the child, and the child meets the
	requirements of Sections 169.003(1) and (2), Occupations Code; or
	(6)  declined immunization for the child for reasons of
	conscience, including a religious belief.
	(d)  A court may not order termination under Subsection
	(b)(1)(O) based on the failure by the parent to comply with a
	specific provision of a court order if a parent proves by a
	preponderance of evidence that:
	(1)  the parent was unable to comply with specific
	provisions of the court order; and
	(2)  the parent made a good faith effort to comply with
	the order and the failure to comply with the order is not
	attributable to any fault of the parent.
	(e)  This section does not prohibit the Department of Family
	and Protective Services from offering evidence described by
	Subsection (c) as part of an action to terminate the parent-child
	relationship under this subchapter.
	(b)  This section takes effect only if H.B. No. 2107, Acts of
	the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, or similar legislation
	authorizing the use of medical cannabis is enacted and becomes law.
	If H.B. No. 2107, Acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session,
	2017, or similar legislation authorizing the use of medical
	cannabis is not enacted or does not become law, this section has no
	effect.
	SECTION 11.  (a) Section 161.001, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
	(c)  A court may not make a finding under Subsection (b) and
	order termination of the parent-child relationship based on
	evidence that the parent:
	(1)  homeschooled the child;
	(2)  is economically disadvantaged;
	(3)  engaged in reasonable discipline of the child;
	(4)  has been charged with a nonviolent misdemeanor
	offense other than:
	(A)  an offense under Title 5, Penal Code;
	(B)  an offense under Title 6, Penal Code; or
	(C)  an offense that involves family violence, as
	defined by Section 71.004 of this code;
	(5)  provided or administered low-THC cannabis to a
	child for whom the low-THC cannabis was prescribed under Chapter
	169, Occupations Code; or
	(6)  declined immunization for the child for reasons of
	conscience, including a religious belief.
	(d)  A court may not order termination under Subsection
	(b)(1)(O) based on the failure by the parent to comply with a
	specific provision of a court order if a parent proves by a
	preponderance of evidence that:
	(1)  the parent was unable to comply with specific
	provisions of the court order; and
	(2)  the parent made a good faith effort to comply with
	the order and the failure to comply with the order is not
	attributable to any fault of the parent.
	(e)  This section does not prohibit the Department of Family
	and Protective Services from offering evidence described by
	Subsection (c) as part of an action to terminate the parent-child
	relationship under this subchapter.
	(b)  This section takes effect only if H.B. No. 2107, Acts of
	the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, or similar legislation
	authorizing the use of medical cannabis is not enacted or does not
	become law. If H.B. No. 2107, Acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2017, or similar legislation authorizing the use of
	medical cannabis is enacted and becomes law, this section has no
	effect.
	SECTION 12.  Section 161.206, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
	(a-1)  In a suit filed by the Department of Family and
	Protective Services seeking termination of the parent-child
	relationship for more than one parent of the child, the court may
	order termination of the parent-child relationship for a parent
	only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence grounds for
	the termination of the parent-child relationship for that parent.
	SECTION 13.  Chapter 261, Family Code, is amended by adding
	Subchapter F to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER F. PROTECTIVE ORDER IN CERTAIN CASES OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT
	Sec. 261.501.  FILING APPLICATION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER IN
	CERTAIN CASES OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT. The department may file an
	application for a protective order for a child's protection under
	this subchapter on the department's own initiative or jointly with
	a parent, relative, or caregiver of the child who requests the
	filing of the application if the department:
	(1)  has temporary managing conservatorship of the
	child;
	(2)  determines that:
	(A)  the child:
	(i)  is a victim of abuse or neglect; or
	(ii)  has a history of being abused or
	neglected; and
	(B)  there is a threat of:
	(i)  immediate or continued abuse or neglect
	to the child;
	(ii)  someone illegally taking the child
	from the home in which the child is placed;
	(iii)  behavior that poses a threat to the
	caregiver with whom the child is placed; or
	(iv)  someone committing an act of violence
	against the child or the child's caregiver; and
	(3)  is not otherwise authorized to apply for a
	protective order for the child's protection under Chapter 82.
	Sec. 261.502.  CERTIFICATION OF FINDINGS. (a) In making the
	application under this subchapter, the department must certify
	that:
	(1)  the department has diligently searched for and:
	(A)  was unable to locate the child's parent,
	legal guardian, or custodian, other than the respondent to the
	application; or
	(B)  located and provided notice of the proposed
	application to the child's parent, legal guardian, or custodian,
	other than the respondent to the application; and
	(2)  if applicable, the relative or caregiver who is
	jointly filing the petition, or with whom the child would reside
	following an entry of the protective order, has not abused or
	neglected the child and does not have a history of abuse or neglect.
	(b)  An application for a temporary ex parte order under
	Section 261.503 may be filed without making the findings required
	by Subsection (a) if the department certifies that the department
	believes that there is an immediate danger of abuse or neglect to
	the child.
	Sec. 261.503.  TEMPORARY EX PARTE ORDER. If the court finds
	from the information contained in an application for a protective
	order that there is an immediate danger of abuse or neglect to the
	child, the court, without further notice to the respondent and
	without a hearing, may enter a temporary ex parte order for the
	protection of the child.
	Sec. 261.504.  REQUIRED FINDINGS; ISSUANCE OF PROTECTIVE
	ORDER. (a) At the close of a hearing on an application for a
	protective order under this subchapter, the court shall find
	whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that:
	(1)  the child:
	(A)  is a victim of abuse or neglect; or
	(B)  has a history of being abused or neglected;
	and
	(2)  there is a threat of:
	(A)  immediate or continued abuse or neglect to
	the child;
	(B)  someone illegally taking the child from the
	home in which the child is placed;
	(C)  behavior that poses a threat to the caregiver
	with whom the child is placed; or
	(D)  someone committing an act of violence against
	the child or the child's caregiver.
	(b)  If the court makes an affirmative finding under
	Subsection (a), the court shall issue a protective order that
	includes a statement of that finding.
	Sec. 261.505.  APPLICATION OF OTHER LAW. To the extent
	applicable, except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, Title
	4 applies to a protective order issued under this subchapter.
	SECTION 14.  Subchapter A, Chapter 262, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 262.0022 to read as follows:
	Sec. 262.0022.  REVIEW OF PLACEMENT; FINDINGS. At each
	hearing under this chapter, the court shall review the placement of
	each child in the temporary or permanent managing conservatorship
	of the Department of Family and Protective Services who is not
	placed with a relative caregiver or designated caregiver as defined
	by Section 264.751. The court shall include in its findings a
	statement on whether the department has the option of placing the
	child with a relative or other designated caregiver.
	SECTION 15.  Subchapter A, Chapter 262, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Sections 262.013 and 262.014 to read as follows:
	Sec. 262.013.  VOLUNTARY TEMPORARY MANAGING
	CONSERVATORSHIP. In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship
	filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services, the
	existence of a parent's voluntary agreement to temporarily place
	the parent's child in the managing conservatorship of the
	Department of Family and Protective Services is not an admission by
	the parent that the parent engaged in conduct that endangered the
	child.
	Sec. 262.014.  DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN EVIDENCE.  On the
	request of the attorney for a parent who is a party in a suit
	affecting the parent-child relationship filed under this chapter,
	or the attorney ad litem for the parent's child, the Department of
	Family and Protective Services shall, before the full adversary
	hearing, provide:
	(1)  the name of any person, excluding a department
	employee, who the department will call as a witness to any of the
	allegations contained in the petition filed by the department;
	(2)  a copy of any offense report relating to the
	allegations contained in the petition filed by the department that
	will be used in court to refresh a witness's memory; and
	(3)  a copy of any photograph, video, or recording that
	will be presented as evidence.
	SECTION 16.  Section 262.113, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 262.113.  FILING SUIT WITHOUT TAKING POSSESSION OF
	CHILD. An original suit filed by a governmental entity that
	requests to take possession of a child after notice and a hearing
	must be supported by an affidavit sworn to by a person with personal
	knowledge and stating facts sufficient to satisfy a person of
	ordinary prudence and caution that:
	(1)  there is a continuing danger to the physical
	health or safety of the child caused by an act or failure to act of
	the person entitled to possession of the child and that allowing the
	child to remain in the home would be contrary to the child's
	welfare; and
	(2)  reasonable efforts, consistent with the
	circumstances and providing for the safety of the child, have been
	made to prevent or eliminate the need to remove the child from the
	child's home[; and
	[(2)     allowing the child to remain in the home would be
	contrary to the child's welfare].
	SECTION 17.  (a) Subchapter B, Chapter 262, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 262.116 to read as follows:
	Sec. 262.116.  LIMITS ON REMOVAL. (a) The Department of
	Family and Protective Services may not take possession of a child
	under this subchapter based on evidence that the parent:
	(1)  homeschooled the child;
	(2)  is economically disadvantaged;
	(3)  engaged in reasonable discipline of the child;
	(4)  has been charged with a nonviolent misdemeanor
	offense other than:
	(A)  an offense under Title 5, Penal Code;
	(B)  an offense under Title 6, Penal Code; or
	(C)  an offense that involves family violence, as
	defined by Section 71.004 of this code;
	(5)  provided or administered:
	(A)  medical cannabis to a child for whom the
	medical cannabis was recommended under Chapter 169, Occupations
	Code; or
	(B)  a product that contains THC to a child, if the
	parent believes that the provision or administration of the product
	is in the best interest of the child, and the child meets the
	requirements of Sections 169.003(1) and (2), Occupations Code; or
	(6)  declined immunization for the child for reasons of
	conscience, including a religious belief.
	(b)  The department shall train child protective services
	caseworkers regarding the prohibitions on removal provided under
	Subsection (a).
	(c)  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
	Services Commission may adopt rules to implement this section.
	(d)  This section does not prohibit the department from
	offering evidence described by Subsection (a) as part of an action
	to take possession of a child under this subchapter.
	(b)  This section takes effect only if H.B. No. 2107, Acts of
	the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, or similar legislation
	authorizing the use of medical cannabis is enacted and becomes law.
	If H.B. No. 2107, Acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session,
	2017, or similar legislation authorizing the use of medical
	cannabis is not enacted or does not become law, this section has no
	effect.
	SECTION 18.  (a) Subchapter B, Chapter 262, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 262.116 to read as follows:
	Sec. 262.116.  LIMITS ON REMOVAL. (a) The Department of
	Family and Protective Services may not take possession of a child
	under this subchapter based on evidence that the parent:
	(1)  homeschooled the child;
	(2)  is economically disadvantaged;
	(3)  engaged in reasonable discipline of the child;
	(4)  has been charged with a nonviolent misdemeanor
	offense other than:
	(A)  an offense under Title 5, Penal Code;
	(B)  an offense under Title 6, Penal Code; or
	(C)  an offense that involves family violence, as
	defined by Section 71.004 of this code;
	(5)  provided or administered low-THC cannabis to a
	child for whom the low-THC cannabis was prescribed under Chapter
	169, Occupations Code; or
	(6)  declined immunization for the child for reasons of
	conscience, including a religious belief.
	(b)  The department shall train child protective services
	caseworkers regarding the prohibitions on removal provided under
	Subsection (a).
	(c)  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
	Services Commission may adopt rules to implement this section.
	(d)  This section does not prohibit the department from
	offering evidence described by Subsection (a) as part of an action
	to take possession of a child under this subchapter.
	(b)  This section takes effect only if H.B. No. 2107, Acts of
	the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, or similar legislation
	authorizing the use of medical cannabis is not enacted or does not
	become law. If H.B. No. 2107, Acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2017, or similar legislation authorizing the use of
	medical cannabis is enacted and becomes law, this section has no
	effect.
	SECTION 19.  Section 262.201, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsection (a-5) to read as follows:
	(a-5)  If a parent who is not indigent appears in opposition
	to the suit, the court may, for good cause shown, postpone the full
	adversary hearing for not more than seven days from the date of the
	parent's appearance to allow the parent to hire an attorney or to
	provide the parent's attorney time to respond to the petition and
	prepare for the hearing.  A postponement under this subsection is
	subject to the limits and requirements prescribed by Subsection
	(a-3).
	SECTION 20.  Section 262.203(a), Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(a)  On the motion of a party or the court's own motion, if
	applicable, the court that rendered the temporary order shall in
	accordance with procedures provided by Chapter 155:
	(1)  transfer the suit to the court of continuing,
	exclusive jurisdiction, if any, if the court finds that the
	transfer is:
	(A)  necessary for the convenience of the parties;
	and
	(B)  in the best interest of the child;
	(2)  [if grounds exist for mandatory transfer from the
	court of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under Section
	155.201,] order transfer of the suit from the [that] court of
	continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or
	(3)  if grounds exist for transfer based on improper
	venue, order transfer of the suit to the court having venue of the
	suit under Chapter 103.
	SECTION 21.  Subchapter C, Chapter 262, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 262.206 to read as follows:
	Sec. 262.206.  EX PARTE HEARINGS PROHIBITED. Unless
	otherwise authorized by this chapter or other law, a hearing held by
	a court in a suit under this chapter may not be ex parte.
	SECTION 22.  Section 263.002, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 263.002.  REVIEW OF PLACEMENTS BY COURT; FINDINGS.  (a)
	In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in which the
	department has been appointed by the court or designated in an
	affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights as the temporary or
	permanent managing conservator of a child, the court shall hold a
	hearing to review:
	(1)  the conservatorship appointment and substitute
	care; and
	(2)  for a child committed to the Texas Juvenile
	Justice Department, the child's commitment in the Texas Juvenile
	Justice Department or release under supervision by the Texas
	Juvenile Justice Department.
	(b)  At each hearing under this chapter, the court shall
	review the placement of each child in the temporary or permanent
	managing conservatorship of the department who is not placed with a
	relative caregiver or designated caregiver as defined by Section
	264.751. The court shall include in its findings a statement
	whether the department placed the child with a relative or other
	designated caregiver.
	(c)  At the permanency hearing before a final order under
	this chapter, the court shall review the placement of each child in
	the temporary or permanent managing conservatorship of the
	department who has not been returned to the child's home. The court
	shall make a finding as to any continuing danger to the physical
	health or safety of the child in the home, whether the return is in
	the best interest of the child, and whether it is contrary to the
	welfare of the child for the child to return home.
	SECTION 23.  Section 263.0021, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:
	(e)  Notice of a hearing under this chapter provided to an
	individual listed under Subsection (b)(2) must state that the
	individual may, but is not required to, attend the hearing and may
	request to be heard at the hearing.
	(f)  In a hearing under this chapter, the court shall call an
	individual listed under Subsection (b)(2) and the individual, at
	the individual's discretion, may appear at the hearing and present
	evidence and be heard regardless of whether either party calls the
	individual to testify.  If the individual testifies at the hearing,
	the individual may be cross-examined by either party.
	SECTION 24.  Section 263.102, Family Code, is amended by
	amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (c-1) to
	read as follows:
	(b)  The service plan must [shall] include the following
	statement:
	TO THE PARENT: THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. THE [ITS]
	PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN IS TO HELP YOU PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH A SAFE
	ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE REASONABLE PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THE PLAN. IF
	YOU ARE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH A SAFE
	ENVIRONMENT, YOUR PARENTAL AND CUSTODIAL DUTIES AND RIGHTS MAY BE
	RESTRICTED OR TERMINATED OR YOUR CHILD MAY NOT BE RETURNED TO YOU.
	AT [THERE WILL BE] A COURT HEARING, [AT WHICH] A JUDGE WILL REVIEW
	THIS SERVICE PLAN, MODIFY THE PLAN IF NECESSARY, AND REQUIRE
	COMPLIANCE WITH THE PLAN. A SUBSEQUENT HEARING MAY BE SCHEDULED AT
	WHICH A JUDGE MAY REVIEW THE PLAN.
	(c)  A service plan may not include an allegation of abuse or
	neglect of the child or a restatement of the facts of the case. An
	allegation of abuse or neglect or a restatement of the facts of the
	case in a service plan is inadmissible in the court as evidence.
	(c-1)  Not later than the fifth business day after a hearing
	held under Section 262.201, the department shall:
	(1)  make all referrals necessary for each parent to
	comply with a judge's order for services; and
	(2)  provide to the parents any information available
	to the department on providers approved by the department to
	provide services in the service area in which the parent resides.
	SECTION 25.  (a) Section 263.306(a-1), Family Code, is
	amended to conform to the amendment of Section 263.306(a), Family
	Code, by Chapter 697 (H.B. 825), Acts of the 84th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2015, to read as follows:
	(a-1)  At each permanency hearing before a final order is
	rendered, the court shall:
	(1)  identify all persons and parties present at the
	hearing, determine whether the child's caregiver is present, and
	allow the caregiver to testify if the caregiver wishes to provide
	information about the child;
	(2)  review the efforts of the department or other
	agency in:
	(A)  locating and requesting service of citation
	on all persons entitled to service of citation under Section
	102.009; and
	(B)  obtaining the assistance of a parent in
	providing information necessary to locate an absent parent, alleged
	father, or relative of the child;
	(3)  ask all parties present whether the child or the
	child's family has a Native American heritage and identify any
	Native American tribe with which the child may be associated;
	(4)  review the extent of the parties' compliance with
	temporary orders and the service plan and the extent to which
	progress has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes
	necessitating the placement of the child in foster care;
	(5) [(4)]  review the permanency progress report to
	determine:
	(A)  the safety and well-being of the child and
	whether the child's needs, including any medical or special needs,
	are being adequately addressed;
	(B)  the continuing necessity and appropriateness
	of the placement of the child, including with respect to a child who
	has been placed outside of this state, whether the placement
	continues to be in the best interest of the child;
	(C)  the appropriateness of the primary and
	alternative permanency goals for the child developed in accordance
	with department rule and whether the department has made reasonable
	efforts to finalize the permanency plan, including the concurrent
	permanency goals, in effect for the child;
	(D)  whether the child has been provided the
	opportunity, in a developmentally appropriate manner, to express
	the child's opinion on any medical care provided;
	(E)  for a child receiving psychotropic
	medication, whether the child:
	(i)  has been provided appropriate
	nonpharmacological interventions, therapies, or strategies to meet
	the child's needs; or
	(ii)  has been seen by the prescribing
	physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse at least
	once every 90 days;
	(F)  whether an education decision-maker for the
	child has been identified, the child's education needs and goals
	have been identified and addressed, and there have been major
	changes in the child's school performance or there have been
	serious disciplinary events;
	(G)  for a child 14 years of age or older, whether
	services that are needed to assist the child in transitioning from
	substitute care to independent living are available in the child's
	community; and
	(H)  for a child whose permanency goal is another
	planned permanent living arrangement:
	(i)  the desired permanency outcome for the
	child, by asking the child; and
	(ii)  whether, as of the date of the hearing,
	another planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency
	plan for the child and, if so, provide compelling reasons why it
	continues to not be in the best interest of the child to:
	(a)  return home;
	(b)  be placed for adoption;
	(c)  be placed with a legal guardian;
	or
	(d)  be placed with a fit and willing
	relative;
	(6) [(5)]  determine whether to return the child to the
	child's parents if the child's parents are willing and able to
	provide the child with a safe environment and the return of the
	child is in the child's best interest;
	(7) [(6)]  estimate a likely date by which the child
	may be returned to and safely maintained in the child's home, placed
	for adoption, or placed in permanent managing conservatorship; and
	(8) [(7)]  announce in open court the dismissal date
	and the date of any upcoming hearings.
	(b)  Section 263.306(c), Family Code, is amended to conform
	to the amendment of Section 263.306, Family Code, by Chapter 944
	(S.B. 206), Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, to
	read as follows:
	(c)  In addition to the requirements of Subsection (a-1)
	[(a)], at each permanency hearing the court shall review the
	department's efforts to ensure that the child has regular, ongoing
	opportunities to engage in age-appropriate normalcy activities,
	including activities not listed in the child's service plan.
	(c)  Section 263.306(a), Family Code, is repealed to conform
	to the repeal of Section 263.306(a), Family Code, by Chapter 944
	(S.B. 206), Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015.
	SECTION 26.  Section 263.401, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 263.401.  DISMISSAL AFTER ONE YEAR; NEW TRIALS;
	EXTENSION. (a) Unless the court has commenced the trial on the
	merits or granted an extension under Subsection (b) or (b-1), on the
	first Monday after the first anniversary of the date the court
	rendered a temporary order appointing the department as temporary
	managing conservator, the court's jurisdiction over [court shall
	dismiss] the suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by
	the department that requests termination of the parent-child
	relationship or requests that the department be named conservator
	of the child is terminated and the suit is automatically dismissed
	without a court order.
	(b)  Unless the court has commenced the trial on the merits,
	the court may not retain the suit on the court's docket after the
	time described by Subsection (a) unless the court finds that
	extraordinary circumstances necessitate the child remaining in the
	temporary managing conservatorship of the department and that
	continuing the appointment of the department as temporary managing
	conservator is in the best interest of the child. If the court
	makes those findings, the court may retain the suit on the court's
	docket for a period not to exceed 180 days after the time described
	by Subsection (a). If the court retains the suit on the court's
	docket, the court shall render an order in which the court:
	(1)  schedules the new date on which the suit will be
	automatically dismissed if the trial on the merits has not
	commenced, which date must be not later than the 180th day after the
	time described by Subsection (a);
	(2)  makes further temporary orders for the safety and
	welfare of the child as necessary to avoid further delay in
	resolving the suit; and
	(3)  sets the trial on the merits on a date not later
	than the date specified under Subdivision (1).
	(b-1)  If, after commencement of the initial trial on the
	merits within the time required by Subsection (a) or (b), the court
	grants a motion for a new trial or mistrial, or the case is remanded
	to the court by an appellate court following an appeal of the
	court's final order, the court shall retain the suit on the court's
	docket and render an order in which the court:
	(1)  schedules a new date on which the suit will be
	automatically dismissed if the new trial has not commenced, which
	must be a date not later than the 180th day after the date on which:
	(A)  the motion for a new trial or mistrial is
	granted; or
	(B)  the appellate court remanded the case;
	(2)  makes further temporary orders for the safety and
	welfare of the child as necessary to avoid further delay in
	resolving the suit; and
	(3)  sets the new trial on the merits for a date not
	later than the date specified under Subdivision (1).
	(c)  If the court grants an extension under Subsection (b) or
	(b-1) but does not commence the trial on the merits before the
	dismissal date, the court's jurisdiction over [court shall dismiss]
	the suit is terminated and the suit is automatically dismissed
	without a court order. The court may not grant an additional
	extension that extends the suit beyond the required date for
	dismissal under Subsection (b) or (b-1), as applicable.
	SECTION 27.  Section 263.402, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 263.402.  LIMIT ON EXTENSION[; WAIVER]. [(a)] The
	parties to a suit under this chapter may not extend the deadlines
	set by the court under this subchapter by agreement or otherwise.
	[(b)     A party to a suit under this chapter who fails to make a
	timely motion to dismiss the suit under this subchapter waives the
	right to object to the court's failure to dismiss the suit. A
	motion to dismiss under this subsection is timely if the motion is
	made before the trial on the merits commences.]
	SECTION 28.  Section 263.403, Family Code, is amended by
	amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
	read as follows:
	(a)  Notwithstanding Section 263.401, the court may retain
	jurisdiction and not dismiss the suit or render a final order as
	required by that section if the court renders a temporary order
	that:
	(1)  finds that retaining jurisdiction under this
	section is in the best interest of the child;
	(2)  orders the department to:
	(A)  return the child to the child's parent; or
	(B)  transition the child, according to a schedule
	determined by the department or court, from substitute care to the
	parent while the parent completes the remaining requirements
	imposed under a service plan and specified in the temporary order
	that are necessary for the child's return;
	(3)  orders the department to continue to serve as
	temporary managing conservator of the child; and
	(4)  orders the department to monitor the child's
	placement to ensure that the child is in a safe environment.
	(a-1)  The department or the parent may request the court to
	retain jurisdiction for an additional six months as necessary for a
	parent to complete the remaining requirements in a service plan and
	specified in the temporary order that are mandatory for the child's
	return.
	(c)  If before the dismissal of the suit or the commencement
	of the trial on the merits a child placed with a parent under this
	section must be moved from that home by the department or the court
	renders a temporary order terminating the transition order issued
	under Subsection (a)(2)(B) [before the dismissal of the suit or the
	commencement of the trial on the merits], the court shall, at the
	time of the move or order, schedule a new date for dismissal of the
	suit [unless a trial on the merits has commenced].  The new
	dismissal date may not be later than the original dismissal date
	established under Section 263.401 or the 180th day after the date
	the child is moved or the order is rendered under this subsection,
	whichever date is later.
	SECTION 29.  Subchapter E, Chapter 263, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 263.4042 to read as follows:
	Sec. 263.4042.  CONTINUED APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY AD LITEM
	AFTER FINAL ORDER. (a) On the entry of a final order terminating
	the parent-child relationship and naming the Department of Family
	and Protective Services as the child's managing conservator, the
	court may discharge the attorney ad litem appointed for the child if
	the court finds that:
	(1)  the child has a representative authorized by the
	court to represent the legal interests of the child and discharge of
	the attorney ad litem is in the child's best interest; or
	(2)  the child:
	(A)  resides in the home identified in the child's
	permanency plan as the child's permanent home;
	(B)  has an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem
	who does not object to the child's permanency plan; and
	(C)  has resided in the home described by
	Paragraph (A) for at least three months.
	(b)  If a court renders an order discharging a child's
	attorney ad litem under Subsection (a), at each permanency hearing
	following the final order held under Section 263.501, the court
	shall make the findings required by Section 263.5031.
	SECTION 30.  Subchapter E, Chapter 263, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 263.4055 to read as follows:
	Sec. 263.4055.  SUPREME COURT RULES. The supreme court by
	rule shall establish civil and appellate procedures to address:
	(1)  conflicts between the filing of a motion for new
	trial and the filing of an appeal of a final order rendered under
	this chapter; and
	(2)  the period, including an extension of at least 20
	days, for a court reporter to submit the reporter's record of a
	trial to an appellate court following a final order rendered under
	this chapter.
	SECTION 31.  Section 263.5031, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 263.5031.  PERMANENCY HEARINGS FOLLOWING FINAL ORDER.
	(a)  At each permanency hearing after the court renders a final
	order, the court shall:
	(1)  identify all persons and parties present at the
	hearing, determine whether the child's caregiver is present, and
	allow the caregiver to testify if the caregiver wishes to provide
	information about the child;
	(2)  review the efforts of the department or other
	agency in notifying persons entitled to notice under Section
	263.0021; [and]
	(3)  review the permanency progress report to
	determine:
	(A)  the safety and well-being of the child and
	whether the child's needs, including any medical or special needs,
	are being adequately addressed;
	(B)  whether the department placed the child with
	a relative or other designated caregiver and the continuing
	necessity and appropriateness of the placement of the child,
	including with respect to a child who has been placed outside of
	this state, whether the placement continues to be in the best
	interest of the child;
	(C)  if the child is placed in institutional care,
	whether efforts have been made to ensure that the child is placed in
	the least restrictive environment consistent with the child's best
	interest and special needs;
	(D)  the appropriateness of the primary and
	alternative permanency goals for the child, whether the department
	has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan,
	including the concurrent permanency goals, in effect for the child,
	and whether:
	(i)  the department has exercised due
	diligence in attempting to place the child for adoption if parental
	rights to the child have been terminated and the child is eligible
	for adoption; or
	(ii)  another permanent placement,
	including appointing a relative as permanent managing conservator
	or returning the child to a parent, is appropriate for the child;
	(E)  for a child whose permanency goal is another
	planned permanent living arrangement:
	(i)  the desired permanency outcome for the
	child, by asking the child; and
	(ii)  whether, as of the date of the hearing,
	another planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency
	plan for the child and, if so, provide compelling reasons why it
	continues to not be in the best interest of the child to:
	(a)  return home;
	(b)  be placed for adoption;
	(c)  be placed with a legal guardian;
	or
	(d)  be placed with a fit and willing
	relative;
	(F)  if the child is 14 years of age or older,
	whether services that are needed to assist the child in
	transitioning from substitute care to independent living are
	available in the child's community;
	(G)  whether the child is receiving appropriate
	medical care and has been provided the opportunity, in a
	developmentally appropriate manner, to express the child's opinion
	on any medical care provided;
	(H)  for a child receiving psychotropic
	medication, whether the child:
	(i)  has been provided appropriate
	nonpharmacological interventions, therapies, or strategies to meet
	the child's needs; or
	(ii)  has been seen by the prescribing
	physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse at least
	once every 90 days;
	(I)  whether an education decision-maker for the
	child has been identified, the child's education needs and goals
	have been identified and addressed, and there are major changes in
	the child's school performance or there have been serious
	disciplinary events;
	(J)  for a child for whom the department has been
	named managing conservator in a final order that does not include
	termination of parental rights, whether to order the department to
	provide services to a parent for not more than six months after the
	date of the permanency hearing if:
	(i)  the child has not been placed with a
	relative or other individual, including a foster parent, who is
	seeking permanent managing conservatorship of the child; and
	(ii)  the court determines that further
	efforts at reunification with a parent are:
	(a)  in the best interest of the child;
	and
	(b)  likely to result in the child's
	safe return to the child's parent; and
	(K)  whether the department has identified a
	family or other caring adult who has made a permanent commitment to
	the child; and
	(4)  if the child is 16 years of age or older, determine
	whether the department has provided the child with the following:
	(A)  the child's birth certificate;
	(B)  a social security card or a replacement
	social security card;
	(C)  a driver's license or personal
	identification certificate under Chapter 521, Transportation Code;
	(D)  the information contained in the child's
	health passport, including the child's immunization records, as
	required under Section 266.006;
	(E)  proof of enrollment of the child in Medicaid,
	if appropriate; and
	(F)  written information advising the child of
	postsecondary education benefits and opportunities available to
	the child, including the tuition exemption for former foster
	children under Section 54.366, Education Code.
	(b)  At each permanency hearing after the court renders a
	final order, the court:
	(1)  for a child who is not represented by an attorney
	ad litem shall:
	(A)  determine whether the child requires
	representation by an attorney ad litem under Section 107.016; and
	(B)  if the court declines to appoint an attorney
	ad litem for the child, state the reason for declining to appoint an
	attorney ad litem; and
	(2)  for a child who is represented by an attorney ad
	litem:
	(A)  shall consider the need for continued
	appointment of the attorney ad litem for the child; and
	(B)  may discharge the attorney ad litem appointed
	for the child if the court finds that:
	(i)  the child is eligible for adoption and
	living in the home identified in the permanency plan as the child's
	permanent home;
	(ii)  the child's attorney ad litem or
	guardian ad litem does not object to the child's permanency plan;
	and
	(iii)  the child has resided in the home
	described by Subparagraph (i) for at least three months.
	SECTION 32.  Section 264.018, Family Code, is amended by
	amending Subsection (f) and adding Subsections (f-1), (f-2), and
	(f-3) to read as follows:
	(f)  Except as provided by Subsection (f-1) or (f-2), as [As]
	soon as possible but not later than the 10th day after the date the
	department becomes aware of a significant event affecting a child
	in the conservatorship of the department, the department shall
	provide notice of the significant event to:
	(1)  the child's parent;
	(2)  an attorney ad litem appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(3)  a guardian ad litem appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(4)  a volunteer advocate appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(5)  the licensed administrator of the child-placing
	agency responsible for placing the child or the licensed
	administrator's designee;
	(6)  a foster parent, prospective adoptive parent,
	relative of the child providing care to the child, or director of
	the group home or general residential operation where the child is
	residing; and
	(7)  any other person determined by a court to have an
	interest in the child's welfare.
	(f-1)  As soon as possible after the department becomes aware
	of a change in placement of a child in the conservatorship of the
	department, the department shall give notice of the placement
	change to the managed care organization that contracts with the
	commission to provide health care services to the child under the
	STAR Health program.  The managed care organization, in
	coordination with the department, shall give notice of the
	placement change to the primary care physician listed in the
	child's health passport.
	(f-2)  As soon as possible but not later than the fifth day
	after the date a child-placing agency notifies the department of
	the agency's intent to change the placement of a child in the
	conservatorship of the department, the department shall give notice
	of the impending placement change and the reason given for the
	placement change to:
	(1)  the child's parent;
	(2)  an attorney ad litem appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(3)  a guardian ad litem appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(4)  a volunteer advocate appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(5)  a foster parent, prospective adoptive parent,
	relative of the child providing care to the child, or director of
	the group home or general residential operation where the child is
	residing; and
	(6)  any other person determined by a court to have an
	interest in the child's welfare.
	(f-3)  As soon as possible but not later than the fifth day
	after the date a foster parent requests the removal of a child in
	the conservatorship of the department from the foster home, the
	department shall give notice of the impending placement change to:
	(1)  the child's parent;
	(2)  an attorney ad litem appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(3)  a guardian ad litem appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(4)  a volunteer advocate appointed for the child under
	Chapter 107;
	(5)  the licensed administrator of the child-placing
	agency responsible for placing the child or the licensed
	administrator's designee; and
	(6)  any other person determined by a court to have an
	interest in the child's welfare.
	SECTION 33.  Section 264.121, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subsections (a-3), (a-4), and (a-5) to read as follows:
	(a-3)  The department shall conduct an independent living
	skills assessment for all youth in the department's permanent
	managing conservatorship who are 16 years of age or older. The
	department may conduct a skills assessment for all youth in the
	department's permanent managing conservatorship who are at least 14
	years of age and older based on funding, prioritizing youth who have
	the greatest needs. The department shall annually update the
	assessment for each youth in the department's conservatorship to
	determine the independent living skills the youth learned during
	the preceding year to ensure the department's obligation to prepare
	the youth for independent living has been met.
	(a-4)  The annual update of the independent living skills
	assessment required under Subsection (a-3) must be conducted
	through the child's plan of service in coordination with the child,
	the caseworker, the Preparation for Adult Living Program staff, and
	the child's caregiver.
	(a-5)  The department, in coordination with stakeholders,
	shall develop a plan to standardize the curriculum for the
	Preparation for Adult Living Program that ensures youth 14 years of
	age or older enrolled in the program receive relevant and
	age-appropriate information and training.  The department shall
	report the plan to the legislature not later than December 1, 2018.
	This subsection expires September 1, 2019.
	SECTION 34.  The heading to Chapter 266, Family Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	CHAPTER 266.  MEDICAL CARE AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN
	CONSERVATORSHIP OF DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES
	[FOSTER CARE]
	SECTION 35.  Chapter 266, Family Code, is amended by adding
	Section 266.005 to read as follows:
	Sec. 266.005.  CONSULTATION FOR HEALTH CARE.  (a)  A court
	may not render an order requiring or prohibiting specific health
	care services, procedures, or treatments, including mental health
	care services, procedures, or treatments, for a child in the
	conservatorship of the department, unless a health care
	professional, acting within the scope of the health care
	professional's practice as prescribed by state law, has been
	consulted as to the proposed care.  If the court finds that a health
	care professional has been consulted and the court declines to
	follow the recommendation of the health care professional, the
	court shall make findings in the record supporting the court's
	order.
	(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply if the court:
	(1)  finds there is an immediate need for medical or
	behavioral intervention and there is not time consistent with the
	circumstances and the child's health, safety, or well-being to
	consult with a health care professional; or
	(2)  directs a child to receive an examination or
	assessment by an appropriate health care professional.
	(c)  If a court renders an order under circumstances
	described by Subsection (b)(1), the court shall order consultation
	with an appropriate health care professional as soon as
	practicable.
	(d)  Evidence of a health care professional's recommendation
	for proposed care under Subsection (a) is not inadmissible on the
	grounds that it is hearsay evidence or that it is not authenticated
	if the judge considers the evidence to be otherwise reliable.
	SECTION 36.  Chapter 122, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Sections 122.005 and 122.006 to read as follows:
	Sec. 122.005.  FAMILY DRUG COURT STUDY. (a) Not later than
	September 1, 2018, the commissioners court of each county that has
	not established a family drug court program shall, subject to the
	availability of funds, study the effect the creation of a family
	drug court would have in the county. The sheriff and, as
	applicable, the county attorney, district attorney, or criminal
	district attorney shall assist in conducting the study. The study
	must analyze the effectiveness of:
	(1)  creating a court that specializes in cases in
	which a parent or person standing in parental relation suffers from
	drug addiction; and
	(2)  case management used by a family drug court
	program, including the involvement of Department of Family and
	Protective Services caseworkers, court-appointed case managers,
	and court-appointed special advocates, to rehabilitate a parent or
	person standing in parental relation who has had a child removed
	from the parent's or person's care by the department or who is under
	investigation to determine if a child should be removed from the
	care of the parent or person standing in parental relation by the
	department.
	(b)  Each commissioners court in a county conducting the
	study required by Subsection (a) shall request assistance from:
	(1)  judges located in the county;
	(2)  child protective services caseworkers and
	supervisors;
	(3)  attorneys ad litem;
	(4)  guardians ad litem;
	(5)  drug treatment providers;
	(6)  family and child therapists;
	(7)  peer recovery coach providers;
	(8)  domestic violence victim advocates;
	(9)  housing partners;
	(10)  drug coordinators;
	(11)  drug court services managers; and
	(12)  drug court case managers.
	(c)  This section expires January 1, 2019.
	Sec. 122.006.  GRANT FUNDING FOR FAMILY DRUG COURTS. (a)
	The family drug court fund is a dedicated account in the general
	revenue fund in the state treasury.
	(b)  The family drug court fund consists of:
	(1)  appropriations of money to the fund by the
	legislature; and
	(2)  gifts, grants, including grants from the federal
	government, and other donations received for the fund.
	(c)  The Health and Human Services Commission shall
	administer the family drug court fund. Money in the account may be
	used only to pay counties to establish and administer a family drug
	court. To receive money from the family drug court fund a county
	must submit the study conducted under Section 122.005 on the effect
	of the creation of a family drug court in the county and a detailed
	proposal of the establishment of the court.
	(d)  Grants will only be made when funds are available.
	SECTION 37.  Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 533.0056 to read as follows:
	Sec. 533.0056.  STAR HEALTH PROGRAM: NOTIFICATION OF
	PLACEMENT CHANGE. A contract between a managed care organization
	and the commission for the organization to provide health care
	services to recipients under the STAR Health program must require
	the organization to ensure continuity of care for a child whose
	placement has changed by:
	(1)  notifying each specialist treating the child of
	the placement change; and
	(2)  coordinating the transition of care from the
	child's previous treating primary care physician and treating
	specialists to the child's new treating primary care physician and
	treating specialists, if any.
	SECTION 38.  Section 572.001, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsections (c-2),
	(c-3), and (c-4) to read as follows:
	(c)  A person or agency appointed as the guardian or a
	managing conservator of a person younger than 18 years of age and
	acting as an employee or agent of the state or a political
	subdivision of the state may request admission of the person
	younger than 18 years of age to an inpatient mental health facility
	[only with the person's consent.     If the person does not consent,
	the person may be admitted for inpatient services] only as provided
	by Subsection (c-2) or pursuant to an application for court-ordered
	mental health services or emergency detention or an order for
	protective custody.
	(c-2)  The Department of Family and Protective Services may
	request the admission to an inpatient mental health facility of a
	minor in the managing conservatorship of that department only if a
	physician states the physician's opinion, and the detailed reasons
	for that opinion, that the minor is a person:
	(1)  with mental illness or who demonstrates symptoms
	of a serious emotional disorder; and
	(2)  who presents a risk of serious harm to self if not
	immediately restrained or hospitalized.
	(c-3)  The admission to an inpatient mental health facility
	under Subsection (c-2) of a minor in the managing conservatorship
	of the Department of Family and Protective Services is a
	significant event for purposes of Section 264.018, Family Code, and
	the Department of Family and Protective Services shall provide
	notice of the significant event:
	(1)  in accordance with that section to all parties
	entitled to notice under that section; and
	(2)  to the court with continuing jurisdiction before
	the expiration of three business days after the minor's admission.
	(c-4)  The Department of Family and Protective Services
	periodically shall review the need for continued inpatient
	treatment of a minor admitted to an inpatient mental health
	facility under Subsection (c-2). If following the review that
	department determines there is no longer a need for continued
	inpatient treatment, that department shall notify the facility
	administrator designated to detain the minor that the minor may no
	longer be detained unless an application for court-ordered mental
	health services is filed.
	SECTION 39.  Subchapter C, Chapter 42, Human Resources Code,
	is amended by adding Section 42.066 to read as follows:
	Sec. 42.066.  REQUIRED SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION REQUESTED
	BY COURT. A general residential operation that provides mental
	health treatment or services to a child in the managing
	conservatorship of the department shall timely submit to the court
	in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship under Subtitle E,
	Title 5, Family Code, all information requested by that court.
	SECTION 40.  The heading to Section 25.07, Penal Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.07.  VIOLATION OF CERTAIN COURT ORDERS OR CONDITIONS
	OF BOND IN A FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, SEXUAL ASSAULT
	OR ABUSE, STALKING, OR TRAFFICKING CASE.
	SECTION 41.  Section 25.07(a), Penal Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(a)  A person commits an offense if, in violation of a
	condition of bond set in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse,
	stalking, or trafficking case and related to the safety of a victim
	or the safety of the community, an order issued under Chapter 7A,
	Code of Criminal Procedure, an order issued under Article 17.292,
	Code of Criminal Procedure, an order issued under Section 6.504,
	Family Code, Chapter 83, Family Code, if the temporary ex parte
	order has been served on the person, [or] Chapter 85, Family Code,
	or Subchapter F, Chapter 261, Family Code, or an order issued by
	another jurisdiction as provided by Chapter 88, Family Code, the
	person knowingly or intentionally:
	(1)  commits family violence or an act in furtherance
	of an offense under Section 20A.02, 22.011, 22.021, or 42.072;
	(2)  communicates:
	(A)  directly with a protected individual or a
	member of the family or household in a threatening or harassing
	manner;
	(B)  a threat through any person to a protected
	individual or a member of the family or household; or
	(C)  in any manner with the protected individual
	or a member of the family or household except through the person's
	attorney or a person appointed by the court, if the violation is of
	an order described by this subsection and the order prohibits any
	communication with a protected individual or a member of the family
	or household;
	(3)  goes to or near any of the following places as
	specifically described in the order or condition of bond:
	(A)  the residence or place of employment or
	business of a protected individual or a member of the family or
	household; or
	(B)  any child care facility, residence, or school
	where a child protected by the order or condition of bond normally
	resides or attends;
	(4)  possesses a firearm;
	(5)  harms, threatens, or interferes with the care,
	custody, or control of a pet, companion animal, or assistance
	animal that is possessed by a person protected by the order or
	condition of bond; or
	(6)  removes, attempts to remove, or otherwise tampers
	with the normal functioning of a global positioning monitoring
	system.
	SECTION 42.  The heading to Section 25.072, Penal Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.072.  REPEATED VIOLATION OF CERTAIN COURT ORDERS OR
	CONDITIONS OF BOND IN FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT,
	SEXUAL ASSAULT OR ABUSE, STALKING, OR TRAFFICKING CASE.
	SECTION 43.  (a) In this section:
	(1)  "Attorney ad litem" has the meaning assigned by
	Section 107.001, Family Code.
	(2)  "Commission" means the Permanent Judicial
	Commission for Children, Youth and Families established by the
	supreme court.
	(b)  The commission shall study the appointment and use of
	attorneys ad litem in cases involving the Department of Family and
	Protective Services. The commission shall:
	(1)  examine:
	(A)  the method for appointing attorneys ad litem;
	(B)  the oversight and accountability measures
	used across the state to monitor attorneys ad litem;
	(C)  the methods by which qualifications for
	appointment as an attorney ad litem and training requirements for
	an attorney ad litem are established and enforced;
	(D)  the timing of and duration of appointments;
	(E)  the rate of compensation for appointments and
	the method for establishing compensation rates across the state;
	(F)  the quality of representation and methods for
	assessing performance of attorneys ad litem;
	(G)  the pretrial and posttrial client
	satisfaction with representation by attorneys ad litem
	representing parents and attorneys ad litem representing children;
	(H)  organizational studies and national
	standards related to the workload of attorneys ad litem;
	(I)  the best practices for attorneys ad litem;
	and
	(J)  the estimated and average costs associated
	with legal representation by an attorney ad litem per child
	compared with the costs associated with foster care per child;
	(2)  conduct a survey of attorneys ad litem about the
	attorney's training, including:
	(A)  the attorney's legal education;
	(B)  whether the attorney is certified as a
	specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in any area of
	law; and
	(C)  the professional standards followed by the
	attorney;
	(3)  perform a statistical analysis of the data and
	information collected under Subdivisions (1) and (2) of this
	subsection; and
	(4)  develop policy recommendations for improving the
	attorney ad litem appointment process.
	(c)  The commission shall prepare a report based on the
	findings of the study conducted under this section and shall submit
	the report to each member of the legislature not later than
	September 1, 2018.
	SECTION 44.  (a)  The changes in law made by this Act apply
	only to a service plan filed for a full adversary hearing held under
	Section 262.201, Family Code, or a status hearing held under
	Chapter 263, Family Code, on or after January 1, 2018. A hearing
	held before that date is governed by the law in effect immediately
	before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in
	effect for that purpose.
	(b)  The changes made by this Act to Section 263.401, Family
	Code, apply only to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship
	pending in a trial court on the effective date of this Act or filed
	on or after the effective date of this Act. A suit affecting the
	parent-child relationship in which a final order is rendered before
	the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on
	the date the order was rendered, and the former law is continued in
	effect for that purpose.
	(c)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, the
	changes in law made by this Act apply only to a suit affecting the
	parent-child relationship filed on or after the effective date of
	this Act.  A suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed
	before the effective date of this Act is subject to the law in
	effect at the time the suit was filed, and the former law is
	continued in effect for that purpose.
	(d)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, the
	changes in law made by this Act apply only to a contract for the
	provision of health care services under the STAR Health program
	between the Health and Human Services Commission and a managed care
	organization under Chapter 533, Government Code, that is entered
	into or renewed on or after the effective date of this Act.
	(e)  If before implementing Section 533.0056, Government
	Code, as added by this Act, the Health and Human Services Commission
	determines that a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is
	necessary for implementation of that provision, the health and
	human services agency affected by the provision shall request the
	waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision
	until the waiver or authorization is granted.
	SECTION 45.  The changes in law made by this Act apply to a
	suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed before, on, or
	after the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 46.  The Health and Human Services Commission shall
	adopt rules establishing the criteria for awarding a grant to
	counties to establish a family drug court under Section 122.006,
	Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1,
	2018.
	SECTION 47.  To the extent of any conflict, this Act prevails
	over another Act of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017,
	relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted
	codes.
	SECTION 48.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.