Bill Text: TX HB4894 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

Texas House Bill 4894

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating to monetary assistance provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services to certain parents.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-23 - Referred to Human Services [HB4894 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB4894-Introduced.html

	88R15417 AMF-F

	By: Hull	H.B. No. 4894



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to monetary assistance provided by the Department of
	Family and Protective Services to certain parents.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 264.208 to read as follows:
	Sec. 264.208. MONITORED RETURN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) If
	a court has rendered an order under Section 263.403 providing for
	the monitored return of a child to a parent, the department shall
	provide monetary assistance under this section for the duration of
	the monitoring period to a parent who:
	(1) has a family income that is less than or equal to
	300 percent of the federal poverty level; and
	(2) demonstrates to the department that economic
	factors, including unemployment or inability to afford housing,
	transportation, utilities, food, medical care, mental health care,
	or child care are the main barrier to reunification.
	(b) The department shall disburse monetary assistance
	provided to a parent under Subsection (a) in the same manner as the
	department disburses payments to a foster parent, including making
	a rate increase effective on the same date the department
	implements a rate increase for the minimum daily foster care
	reimbursement rate.
	(c) The department, at its discretion and for good cause,
	may extend the monetary assistance payments for an additional six
	months after the date the case is dismissed to support family
	stability after reunification.
	SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to an
	order rendered under Section 263.403, Family Code, regardless of
	whether the order was rendered before, on, or after the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.