WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2789

Relating to the regulation of child welfare, including licensure, community-based care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by James Frank and 5 co-sponsors

HB 2789 establishes uniform child welfare licensure standards and oversight requirements across Texas care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities to strengthen safety protections.

See remarks for effective date
#adoption(s0101) #contractors&subcontractors(s2563) #daycare(i0209) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #fostercare(s0064) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--parent&child(i0355) #humanservices--childservices(i0895)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2789

Legislative bill overview

HB 2789 modernizes Texas's child welfare regulatory framework by establishing new licensure standards, oversight mechanisms, and operational requirements for community-based care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities. The bill coordinates regulation across multiple types of child-serving organizations to create more uniform standards for safety, staffing, and accountability.

Why is this important

Child welfare regulations directly affect the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in state care and licensed facilities. Strengthened oversight can reduce abuse and neglect incidents, while poorly designed regulations may increase operational costs that some providers cannot absorb, potentially reducing available care capacity. This bill balances protective measures with the practical sustainability of the child welfare system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: New licensure requirements and compliance standards may increase operating expenses for smaller providers, potentially forcing closures or reducing capacity in rural areas
  • Regulatory burden vs. protection: Critics may debate whether expanded regulations effectively improve child safety or primarily create administrative overhead
  • Family home standards: Differing perspectives on how strictly to regulate in-home caregivers versus larger facilities, particularly regarding training and certification requirements

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

Sign in to ask a question.