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Bill

HB 2216

Relating to procedures and grounds related to the removal and placement of children, including for terminating the parent-child relationship, for taking possession of a child, and for certain hearings in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Harold Dutton and 6 co-sponsors

HB 2216 revises Texas child removal and parental rights termination procedures for government-filed cases, affecting evidentiary standards and hearing requirements in CPS matters.

Left pending in committee
#family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--parent&child(i0355)
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Bill Summary · HB 2216

Legislative bill overview

HB 2216 modifies Texas procedures governing child removal, placement, and termination of parental rights in cases involving government entities (primarily Child Protective Services). The bill addresses procedural requirements for hearings, evidence standards, and grounds for state intervention in parent-child relationships.

Why is this important

These procedures directly affect thousands of Texas families annually, determining when the state can remove children from parental custody and under what conditions parental rights may be permanently terminated. Changes to evidentiary standards, hearing timelines, or burden of proof can significantly impact both child safety outcomes and parental due process protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden of proof standards: Disputes likely over whether "clear and convincing evidence" or other standards adequately protect parental rights while ensuring child safety
  • Speed vs. due process: Tensions between expediting case resolution for children's stability and allowing sufficient time for parents to respond to allegations
  • Government agency power: Concerns about whether the bill grants CPS sufficient authority to act quickly in emergencies or conversely limits governmental overreach in borderline cases

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

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