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HB 2632

Relating to the definition of child neglect and to the appointment of the Department of Family and Protective Services and a child's parent or legal guardian as joint managing conservators of the child.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Liz Campos

Texas bill authorizing DFPS and parents to jointly manage conservatorship of children in neglect cases rather than full removal from parental care.

Referred to Human Services
#childabuse(s4256) #conservatorship(s0683) #courts--general(i0160) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--parent&child(i0355)
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Bill Summary · HB 2632

Legislative bill overview

HB 2632 would modify Texas law regarding child neglect definitions and establish procedures for appointing the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and a child's parent or legal guardian as joint managing conservators. The bill appears designed to allow for shared custody arrangements between the state agency and parents in certain child welfare cases, rather than full removal or termination of parental rights.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Texas handles child welfare cases—specifically influencing whether children remain with parents under state supervision or are removed entirely. The outcome shapes the relationship between government child protection agencies and families, potentially keeping more children in parental custody while under state oversight, versus removal to foster care.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental rights vs. child safety: Establishing joint conservatorship may be viewed as either protecting family unity or as insufficiently protective if the child faced serious neglect
  • DFPS resources and liability: Sharing custody creates shared legal responsibility; unclear who bears liability if harm occurs and how this affects DFPS operational capacity
  • Definition changes: Any modifications to "child neglect" could either narrow protections (making it harder to intervene) or broaden them (increasing state involvement in family matters)

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

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