TITLE: Relating to a court's temporary extended jurisdiction over certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

SUMMARY: Relating to a court's temporary extended jurisdiction over certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a court's temporary extended jurisdiction over certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 263.403(a), Family Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) Notwithstanding Section 263.401, the court may retain jurisdiction and not dismiss the suit or render a final order as required by that section if the court renders a temporary order that: (1) finds that retaining jurisdiction under this section is in the best interest of the child; (2) orders the department to:(A) return the child to the child's parent;or (B) transition the child, according to a schedule determined by the department, from substitute care to the parent while the parent completes the remaining requirements imposed under a service plan and specified in the temporary order that are necessary for the child's return;(3) orders the department to continue to serve as temporary managing conservator of the child; and (4) orders the department to monitor the child's placement to ensure that the child is in a safe environment. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.