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HB 4611

Relating to certain voluntary registries in relation to the adoption of or the termination of parental rights regarding a child.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Shelby Slawson

HB 4611 establishes voluntary registries for adoption and parental rights termination cases in Texas, affecting how biological families are located and notified during child custody proceedings.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#adoption(s0101) #email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #fostercare(s0064) #family--parent&child(i0355) #statehealthservices #departmentof(v0463) #vitalstatistics&records(s2714)
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Bill Summary · HB 4611

Legislative bill overview

HB 4611 establishes or modifies voluntary registry systems in Texas related to adoption proceedings and termination of parental rights. The bill creates mechanisms for individuals to register information that may be relevant during these legal processes, likely addressing biological parents, relatives, or other parties with potential interests in child custody matters.

Why is this important

Voluntary registries in adoption and parental rights cases affect how biological families are located and notified during proceedings, influencing adoption timelines, family reconnection opportunities, and legal protections. These systems balance the interests of adoptive families seeking legal certainty with biological families' rights to information and participation in decisions affecting children.

Potential points of contention

  • Registry accessibility and awareness: Questions about whether individuals who should register will have adequate information about the system's existence and how to access it, potentially affecting fairness of proceedings
  • Privacy versus transparency: Tension between protecting registrants' personal information and ensuring relevant parties can be properly notified during adoption or parental rights termination cases
  • Enforcement and consequences: Unclear standards regarding what happens when individuals fail to register or register late, and whether unregistered parties retain legal recourse

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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