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Bill

HB 2716

Relating to the consideration of a history of family violence, child neglect or abuse, or sexual offenses in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Pat Curry

Texas bill establishing how courts must consider family violence, child abuse, and sexual offense histories when determining custody and parent-child relationship arrangements.

Left pending in subcommittee
#childabuse(s4256) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--familyviolence(i0353) #family--parent&child(i0355) #sexualabuse(s9791)
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Bill Summary · HB 2716

Legislative bill overview

HB 2716 modifies how Texas courts consider histories of family violence, child neglect, abuse, and sexual offenses when making custody and parent-child relationship decisions. The bill establishes standards for weighing these factors in family law proceedings, likely strengthening protections for vulnerable family members in custody disputes.

Why is this important

Family law cases involving histories of violence or abuse directly affect child safety and well-being. This bill determines the legal framework courts use to evaluate risk factors when deciding custody arrangements, potentially influencing outcomes in thousands of Texas family cases annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden of proof standards: Disagreement over whether preponderance of evidence, clear and convincing evidence, or another standard should apply when evaluating abuse allegations
  • Parental rights balance: Tension between protecting children/abused spouses and preserving parental access rights for accused individuals
  • Definition scope: Disputes over how broadly or narrowly "family violence," "neglect," and "abuse" are defined, which affects which cases trigger enhanced scrutiny

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

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