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Bill

Bill

HB 1914

Relating to the modification of a possession order and temporary possession of a child when a conservator of the child is incapacitated.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Penny Morales Shaw and 1 co-sponsor

Streamlines Texas court procedures to temporarily modify child custody orders when a conservator becomes incapacitated, enabling faster guardianship transfers during parental crises.

Referred to Jurisprudence
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Bill Summary · HB 1914

Legislative bill overview

HB 1914 modifies Texas family law to allow courts to alter child possession orders and grant temporary custody when a conservator (legal guardian) becomes incapacitated. The bill streamlines the legal process for managing childcare arrangements when a primary custodian is unable to fulfill their duties due to illness, disability, or incapacity.

Why is this important

Currently, Texas law may lack clear mechanisms for quickly transferring custody when a conservator becomes incapacitated, potentially leaving children in uncertain or inadequate care situations. This bill addresses a practical gap that affects vulnerable children and families experiencing sudden changes in a guardian's capacity to care for them.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of incapacity: The bill may lack precise legal definitions of what constitutes "incapacitated," creating ambiguity in when courts can intervene and potentially opening doors to contested claims about a conservator's fitness
  • Due process protections: Questions about whether the incapacitated conservator receives adequate notice and opportunity to contest the modification, and whether their rights are sufficiently protected during temporary custody transfers
  • Prioritization of placement: Unclear whether the bill establishes preferences for which relatives or designated individuals gain temporary custody, potentially leading to disputes or inconsistent rulings across different courts

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

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