reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter C. Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance › Article VIII. Federal Participation › Section 162.205. Payments by State

Sec. 162.205.  PAYMENTS BY STATE.  The compact administrator, subject to the approval of the chief state fiscal officer, may make or arrange for payments necessary to discharge financial obligations imposed on this state by the compact or by a supplementary agreement entered into under the compact.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 846, Sec. 9, eff. June 16, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter C. Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance › Article VIII. Federal Participation › Section 162.206. Penalties

Sec. 162.206.  PENALTIES.  A person who, under a compact entered into under this subchapter, knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain or aids or abets any person in obtaining, by means of a wilfully false statement or representation or by impersonation or other fraudulent device, any assistance on behalf of a child or other person to which the child or other person is not entitled, or assistance in an amount greater than that to which the child or other person is entitled, commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.  An offense under this section that also constitutes an offense under other law may be punished under either this section or the other applicable law.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 846, Sec. 9, eff. June 16, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter D. Adoption Services by the Department Of › Section 162.306. Postadoption Services

Sec. 162.306.  POSTADOPTION SERVICES.  (a)  The department may provide services after adoption to adoptees and adoptive families for whom the department provided services before the adoption.
(b)  The department may provide services under this section directly or through contract.
(c)  The services may include financial assistance, respite care, placement services, parenting programs, support groups, counseling services, crisis intervention, and medical aid.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 412, Sec. 6, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter D. Adoption Services by the Department Of › Section 162.3085. Adoptive Placement in Compliance With Federal Law Required

Sec. 162.3085.  ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW REQUIRED.  The department or a licensed child-placing agency making an adoptive placement shall comply with the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. Section 1996b).
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 206), Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.401. Purpose

Sec. 162.401.  PURPOSE.  The purpose of this subchapter is to provide for the establishment of mutual consent voluntary adoption registries through which adoptees, birth parents, and biological siblings may voluntarily locate each other.  It is not the purpose of this subchapter to inhibit or prohibit persons from locating each other through other legal means or to inhibit or affect in any way the provision of postadoptive services and education, by adoption agencies or others, that go further than the procedures set out for registries established under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.403. Establishment of Voluntary Adoption Registries

Sec. 162.403.  ESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTARY ADOPTION REGISTRIES.  (a)  The vital statistics unit shall establish and maintain a mutual consent voluntary adoption registry.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), an agency authorized by the department to place children for adoption and an association comprised exclusively of those agencies may establish a mutual consent voluntary adoption registry.  An agency may contract with any other agency authorized by the department to place children for adoption or with an association comprised exclusively of those agencies to perform registry services on its behalf.
(c)  An authorized agency that did not directly or by contract provide registry services as required by this subchapter on January 1, 1984, may not provide its own registry service.  The vital statistics unit shall operate through the central registry those services for agencies not permitted to provide a registry under this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 20, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.111, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.404. Requirement to Send Information to Central Registry

Sec. 162.404.  REQUIREMENT TO SEND INFORMATION TO CENTRAL REGISTRY.  An authorized agency that is permitted to provide a registry under this subchapter or that participates in a mutual consent voluntary adoption registry with an association of authorized agencies shall send to the central registry a duplicate of all information the registry maintains in the agency's registry or sends to the registry in which the agency participates.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 21, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.405. Determination of Appropriate Registry

Sec. 162.405.  DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE REGISTRY.  (a)  The administrator of the central registry shall determine the appropriate registry to which an applicant is entitled to apply.
(b)  On receiving an inquiry by an adoptee, birth parent, or sibling who has provided satisfactory proof of age and identity and paid all required inquiry fees, the administrator of the central registry shall review the information on file in the central index and consult with the administrators of other registries in the state to determine the identity of any appropriate registry through which the adoptee, birth parent, or sibling may register.
(c)  Each administrator shall, not later than the 30th day after the date of receiving an inquiry from the administrator of the central registry, respond in writing to the inquiry that the registrant was not placed for adoption by an agency served by that registry or that the registrant was placed for adoption by an agency served by that registry.  If the registrant was placed for adoption by an agency served by the registry, the administrator shall file a report with the administrator of the central registry including:
(1)  the name of the adopted child as shown in the final adoption decree;
(2)  the birth date of the adopted child;
(3)  the docket number of the adoption suit;
(4)  the identity of the court that granted the adoption;
(5)  the date of the final adoption decree;
(6)  the identity of the agency, if any, through which the adopted child was placed;  and
(7)  the identity, address, and telephone number of the registry through which the adopted child may register as an adoptee.
(d)  After completing the investigation, the administrator of the central registry shall issue an official certificate stating:
(1)  the identity of the registry through which the adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling may apply for registration, if known;  or
(2)  if the administrator cannot make a conclusive determination, that the adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling is entitled to apply for registration through the central registry.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, Sec. 79, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.406. Registration Eligibility

Sec. 162.406.  REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  An adoptee who is 18 years of age or older may apply to a registry for information about the adoptee's birth parents and biological siblings.
(b)  A birth parent who is 18 years of age or older may apply to a registry for information about an adoptee who is a child by birth of the birth parent.
(c)  An alleged father who is 18 years of age or older and who acknowledges paternity but is not, at the time of application, a birth father may register as a birth father but may not otherwise be recognized as a birth father for the purposes of this subchapter unless:
(1)  the adoptee's birth mother in her application identifies him as the adoptee's biological father;  and
(2)  additional information concerning the adoptee obtained from other sources is not inconsistent with his claim of paternity.
(d)  A biological sibling who is 18 years of age or older may apply to a registry for information about the person's adopted biological siblings.
(e)  Only birth parents, adoptees, and biological siblings may apply for information through a registry.
(f)  A person, including an authorized agency, may not apply for information through a registry as an agent, attorney, or representative of an adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.407. Registration

Sec. 162.407.  REGISTRATION.  (a)  The administrator shall require each registration applicant to sign a written application.
(b)  An adoptee adopted or placed through an authorized agency may register through the registry maintained by that agency or the registry to which the agency has delegated registry services or through the central registry maintained by the vital statistics unit.
(c)  Birth parents and biological siblings shall register through:
(1)  the registry of the authorized agency through which the adoptee was adopted or placed;  or
(2)  the central registry.
(d)  The administrator may not accept an application for registration unless the applicant:
(1)  provides proof of identity as provided by Section 162.408;
(2)  establishes the applicant's eligibility to register;  and
(3)  pays all required registration fees.
(e)  A registration remains in effect until the 99th anniversary of the date the registration is accepted unless a shorter period is specified by the applicant or the registration is withdrawn before that time.
(f)  A registrant may withdraw the registrant's registration in writing without charge at any time.
(g)  After a registration is withdrawn or expires, the registrant shall be treated as if the person has not previously registered.
(h)  A completed registry application must be accepted or rejected before the 46th day after the date the application is received.  If an application is rejected, the administrator shall provide the applicant with a written statement of the reason for the rejection.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 22, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.112, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.408. Proof of Identity

Sec. 162.408.  PROOF OF IDENTITY.  The rules and minimum standards of the Department of State Health Services for the vital statistics unit must provide for proof of identity in order to facilitate the purposes of this subchapter and to protect the privacy rights of adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, biological siblings, and their families.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 23, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.113, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.411. Fees

Sec. 162.411.  FEES.  (a)  The costs of establishing, operating, and maintaining a registry may be recovered in whole or in part through users' fees charged to applicants and registrants.
(b)  Each registry shall establish a schedule of fees for services provided by the registry.  The fees shall be reasonably related to the direct and indirect costs of establishing, operating, and maintaining the registry.
(c)  A fee may not be charged for withdrawing a registration.
(d)  The fees collected by the vital statistics unit shall be deposited in a special fund in the general revenue fund.  Funds in the special fund may be appropriated only for the administration of the central registry.
(e)  The administrator may waive users' fees in whole or in part if the applicant provides satisfactory proof of financial inability to pay the fees.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.114, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.412. Supplemental Information

Sec. 162.412.  SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION.  (a)  A registrant may amend the registrant's registration and submit additional information to the administrator.  A registrant shall notify the administrator of any change in the registrant's name or address that occurs after acceptance of the application.
(b)  The administrator does not have a duty to search for a registrant who fails to register a change of name or address.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.413. Counseling

Sec. 162.413.  COUNSELING.  The applicant must participate in counseling for not less than one hour with a social worker or mental health professional with expertise in postadoption counseling after the administrator has accepted the application for registration and before the release of confidential information.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.414. Matching Procedures

Sec. 162.414.  MATCHING PROCEDURES.  (a)  The administrator shall process each registration in an attempt to match the adoptee and the adoptee's birth parents or the adoptee and the adoptee's biological siblings.
(b)  The administrator shall determine that there is a match if the adult adoptee and the birth mother or the birth father have registered or if a biological sibling has registered.
(c)  To establish or corroborate a match, the administrator shall request confirmation of a possible match from the vital statistics unit.  If the agency operating the registry has in its own records sufficient information through which the match may be confirmed, the administrator may, but is not required to, request confirmation from the vital statistics unit.  The vital statistics unit may confirm or deny the match without breaching the duty of confidentiality to the adoptee, adoptive parents, birth parents, or biological siblings and without a court order.
(d)  To establish a match, the administrator may also request confirmation of a possible match from the agency, if any, that has possession of records concerning the adoption of an adoptee or from the court that granted the adoption, the hospital where the adoptee or any biological sibling was born, the physician who delivered the adoptee or biological sibling, or any other person who has knowledge of the relevant facts.  The agency, court, hospital, physician, or person with knowledge may confirm or deny the match without breaching any duty of confidentiality to the adoptee, adoptive parents, birth parents, or biological siblings.
(e)  If a match is denied by a source contacted under Subsection (d), the administrator shall make a full and complete investigation into the reliability of the denial.  If the match is corroborated by other reliable sources and the administrator is satisfied that the denial is erroneous, the administrator may make disclosures but shall report to the adoptee, birth parents, and biological siblings involved that the match was not confirmed by all information sources.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.115, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.416. Disclosure of Identifying Information

Sec. 162.416.  DISCLOSURE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION.  (a)  When a match has been made and confirmed to the administrator's satisfaction, the administrator shall mail to each registrant, at the registrant's last known address, by fax or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, delivery restricted to addressee only, a written notice:
(1)  informing the registrant that a match has been made and confirmed;
(2)  reminding the registrant that the registrant may withdraw the registration before disclosures are made, if desired;  and
(3)  notifying the registrant that before any identifying disclosures are made, the registrant must:
(A)  sign a written consent to disclosure that allows the disclosure of identifying information about the other registrants to the registrant and allows the disclosure of identifying information about the registrant to other registrants;
(B)  participate in counseling for not less than one hour with a social worker or mental health professional who has expertise in postadoption counseling;  and
(C)  provide the administrator with written certification that the counseling required under Subdivision (B) has been completed.
(b)  Identifying information about a registrant shall be released without the registrant's having consented after the match to disclosure if the registrant is dead, the registrant's registration was valid at the time of death, and the registrant had in writing specifically authorized the postdeath disclosure in the registrant's application or in a supplemental statement filed with the administrator.
(c)  Identifying information about a deceased birth parent may not be released until each surviving child of the deceased birth parent is an adult or until each child's surviving parent, guardian, managing conservator, or legal custodian consents in writing to the disclosure.
(d)  The administrator shall prepare and release written disclosure statements identifying information about each of the registrants if the registrants complied with Subsection (a) and, before the 60th day after the date notification of match was mailed, the registrant or registrants have not withdrawn their registrations.
(e)  If the administrator establishes that a match cannot be made because of the death of an adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling, the administrator shall promptly notify the affected registrant.  The administrator shall disclose the reason why a match cannot be made and may disclose nonidentifying information concerning the circumstances of the person's death.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.419. Registry Records Confidential

Sec. 162.419.  REGISTRY RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL.  (a)  All applications, registrations, records, and other information submitted to, obtained by, or otherwise acquired by a registry are confidential and may not be disclosed to any person or entity except in the manner authorized by this subchapter.
(b)  Information acquired by a registry may not be disclosed under freedom of information or sunshine legislation, rules, or practice.
(c)  A person may not file or prosecute a class action litigation to force a registry to disclose identifying information.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.420. Rulemaking

Sec. 162.420.  RULEMAKING.  (a)  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall make rules and adopt minimum standards for the Department of State Health Services to:
(1)  administer the provisions of this subchapter; and
(2)  ensure that each registry respects the right to privacy and confidentiality of an adoptee, birth parent, and biological sibling who does not desire to disclose the person's identity.
(b)  The Department of State Health Services shall conduct a comprehensive review of all rules and standards adopted under this subchapter not less than every six years.
(c)  In order to provide the administrators an opportunity to review proposed rules and standards and send written suggestions to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, the executive commissioner shall, before adopting rules and minimum standards, send a copy of the proposed rules and standards not less than 60 days before the date they take effect to:
(1)  the administrator of each registry established under this subchapter; and
(2)  the administrator of each agency authorized by the department to place children for adoption.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 26, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.116, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.421. Prohibited Acts; Criminal Penalties

Sec. 162.421.  PROHIBITED ACTS;  CRIMINAL PENALTIES.  (a)  This subchapter does not prevent the Department of State Health Services from making known to the public, by appropriate means, the existence of voluntary adoption registries.
(b)  Information received by or in connection with the operation of a registry may not be stored in a data bank used for any purpose other than operation of the registry.
(c)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or recklessly discloses information from a registry application, registration, record, or other information submitted to, obtained by, or otherwise acquired by a registry in violation of this subchapter.  This subsection may not be construed to penalize the disclosure of information from adoption agency records.  An offense under this subsection is a felony of the second degree.
(d)  A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence causes or permits the disclosure of information from a registry application, registration, record, or other information submitted to, obtained by, or otherwise acquired by a registry in violation of this subchapter.  This subsection may not be construed to penalize the disclosure of information from adoption agency records.  An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e)  A person commits an offense if the person impersonates an adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling with the intent to secure confidential information from a registry established under this subchapter.  An offense under this subsection is a felony of the second degree.
(f)  A person commits an offense if the person impersonates an administrator, agent, or employee of a registry with the intent to secure confidential information from a registry established under this subchapter.  An offense under this subsection is a felony of the second degree.
(g)  A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement's meaning, makes a false statement under oath in connection with the operation of a registry.  An offense under this subsection is a felony of the third degree.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.117, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter E. Voluntary Adoption Registries › Section 162.422. Immunity From Liability

Sec. 162.422.  IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY.  (a)  The Department of State Health Services or authorized agency establishing or operating a registry is not liable to any person for obtaining or disclosing identifying information about a birth parent, adoptee, or biological sibling within the scope of this subchapter and under its provisions.
(b)  An employee or agent of the Department of State Health Services or of an authorized agency establishing or operating a registry under this subchapter is not liable to any person for obtaining or disclosing identifying information about a birth parent, adoptee, or biological sibling within the scope of this subchapter and under its provisions.
(c)  A person or entity furnishing information to the administrator or an employee or agent of a registry is not liable to any person for disclosing information about a birth parent, adoptee, or biological sibling within the scope of this subchapter and under its provisions.
(d)  A person or entity is not immune from liability for performing an act prohibited by Section 162.421.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 28, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.118, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.501. Adoption of Adult

Sec. 162.501.  ADOPTION OF ADULT.  The court may grant the petition of an adult residing in this state to adopt another adult according to this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.502. Jurisdiction

Sec. 162.502.  JURISDICTION.  The petitioner shall file a suit to adopt an adult in the district court or a statutory county court granted jurisdiction in family law cases and proceedings by Chapter 25, Government Code, in the county of the petitioner's residence.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.503. Requirements of Petition

Sec. 162.503.  REQUIREMENTS OF PETITION.  (a)  A petition to adopt an adult shall be entitled "In the Interest of __________, An Adult."
(b)  If the petitioner is married, both spouses must join in the petition for adoption.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.504. Consent

Sec. 162.504.  CONSENT.  A court may not grant an adoption unless the adult consents in writing to be adopted by the petitioner.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.505. Attendance Required

Sec. 162.505.  ATTENDANCE REQUIRED.  The petitioner and the adult to be adopted must attend the hearing.  For good cause shown, the court may waive this requirement, by written order, if the petitioner or adult to be adopted is unable to attend.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.506. Adoption Order

Sec. 162.506.  ADOPTION ORDER.  (a)  The court shall grant the adoption if the court finds that the requirements for adoption of an adult are met.
(b)  Notwithstanding that both spouses have joined in a petition for the adoption of an adult as required by Section 162.503(b), the court may grant the adoption of the adult to both spouses or, on request of the spouses, to only one spouse.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 555, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter F. Adoption of an Adult › Section 162.507. Effect of Adoption

Sec. 162.507.  EFFECT OF ADOPTION.  (a)  The adopted adult is the son or daughter of the adoptive parents for all purposes.
(b)  The adopted adult is entitled to inherit from and through the adopted adult's adoptive parents as though the adopted adult were the biological child of the adoptive parents.
(c)  The adopted adult may not inherit from or through the adult's biological parent.  A biological parent may not inherit from or through an adopted adult.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 169 (H.B. 204), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter G. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 162.601. Incentives for Licensed Child-Placing Agencies

Sec. 162.601.  INCENTIVES FOR LICENSED CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES.  (a)  Subject to the availability of funds, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall pay, in addition to any other amounts due, a monetary incentive to a licensed child-placing agency for the completion of an adoption:
(1)  of a child, as defined by Section 162.301, receiving or entitled to receive foster care at department expense; and
(2)  arranged with the assistance of the agency.
(b)  The incentive may not exceed 25 percent of the amount the department would have spent to provide one year of foster care for the child, determined according to the child's level of care at the time the adoption is completed.
(c)  For purposes of this section, an adoption is completed on the date on which the court issues the adoption order.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1309, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.119, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter G. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 162.602. Documentation to Accompany Petition for Adoption or Annulment or Revocation of Adoption

Sec. 162.602.  DOCUMENTATION TO ACCOMPANY PETITION FOR ADOPTION OR ANNULMENT OR REVOCATION OF ADOPTION.  At the time a petition for adoption or annulment or revocation of adoption is filed, the petitioner shall also file completed documentation that may be used by the clerk of the court, at the time the petition is granted, to comply with Section 192.009, Health and Safety Code, and Section 108.003.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1128, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter G. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 162.603. Post-Adoption Support Information Provided by Licensed Child-Placing Agencies

Sec. 162.603.  POST-ADOPTION SUPPORT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY LICENSED CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES.  A licensed child-placing agency shall provide prospective adoptive parents with information regarding:
(1)  the community services and other resources available to support a parent who adopts a child; and
(2)  the options available to the adoptive parent if the parent is unable to care for the adopted child.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (H.B. 834), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter G. Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 162.604. Maximum Age Restriction for Adoptive Parents Prohibited

Sec. 162.604.  MAXIMUM AGE RESTRICTION FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS PROHIBITED.  (a)  The Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency that places a child for adoption may not implement or enforce a policy that:
(1)  sets a maximum age for any prospective adoptive parent; or
(2)  sets a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.
(b)  Subject to Subsection (a), the Department of Family and Protective Services, a single source continuum contractor, or a licensed child-placing agency may consider the health and expected lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the best interest of a child.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (H.B. 2969), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter H. Embryo Donation Information › Section 162.701. Definitions

Sec.  162.701.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Department" means the Department of Family and Protective Services.
(2)  "Embryo donation" has the meaning assigned by Section 159.011, Occupations Code.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 331 (H.B. 785), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Chapter 162 - Adoption › Subchapter H. Embryo Donation Information › Section 162.702. Information Regarding Embryo Donation

Sec. 162.702.  INFORMATION REGARDING EMBRYO DONATION.  The department shall post information regarding embryo donation on the department's Internet website.  The information must include contact information for nonprofit organizations that facilitate embryo donation.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 331 (H.B. 785), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.001. Appointment

Sec. 201.001.  APPOINTMENT.  (a)  A judge of a court having jurisdiction of a suit under this title, Title 1, Chapter 45, or Title 4 may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this chapter if the commissioners court of a county in which the court has jurisdiction authorizes the employment of an associate judge.
(b)  If a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county in which the commissioners court has authorized the associate judge's appointment.
(c)  If more than one court in a county has jurisdiction of a suit under this title, Title 1, Chapter 45, or Title 4 the commissioners court may authorize the appointment of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more associate judges to share service with two or more courts.
(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves.
(e)  This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or C.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 197 (S.B. 812), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.002. Qualifications

Sec. 201.002.  QUALIFICATIONS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), to be eligible for appointment as an associate judge, a person must meet the requirements and qualifications to serve as a judge of the court or courts for which the associate judge is appointed.
(b)  To be eligible for appointment as an associate judge under Subchapter B or C, a person must meet the requirements and qualifications established under those subchapters.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 44 (S.B. 271), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.003. Compensation

Sec. 201.003.  COMPENSATION.  (a)  An associate judge shall be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county in which the associate judge serves.
(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county, the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the associate judge serves.
(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county fund available for payment of officers' salaries.
(d)  This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or C.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.004. Termination of Associate Judge

Sec. 201.004.  TERMINATION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE.  (a)  An associate judge who serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court.
(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the judges of the courts which the associate judge serves.
(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts which the associate judge serves.
(d)  This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or C.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.005. Cases That May Be Referred

Sec. 201.005.  CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED.  (a)  Except as provided by this section, a judge of a court may refer to an associate judge any aspect of a suit or action, including any matter ancillary to the suit or action, over which the court has jurisdiction under:
(1)  this title;
(2)  Title 1;
(3)  Chapter 35, 35A, or 45;
(4)  Title 4;
(5)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(6)  Chapter 24A, Property Code.
(b)  Unless a party files a written objection to the associate judge hearing a trial on the merits, the judge may refer the trial to the associate judge.  A trial on the merits is any final adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of appeals.
(c)  A party must file an objection to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial not later than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the associate judge will hear the trial.  If an objection is filed, the referring court shall hear the trial on the merits or preside at a jury trial.
(d)  The requirements of Subsections (b) and (c) shall apply whenever a judge has authority to refer the trial of a suit or action described by Subsection (a) to an associate judge, master, or other assistant judge regardless of whether the assistant judge is appointed under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 197 (S.B. 812), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 5.001(a), eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.006. Order of Referral

Sec. 201.006.  ORDER OF REFERRAL.  (a)  In referring a case to an associate judge, the judge of the referring court shall render:
(1)  an individual order of referral;  or
(2)  a general order of referral specifying the class and type of cases to be heard by the associate judge.
(b)  The order of referral may limit the power or duties of an associate judge.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle C - Judicial Resources and Services › Chapter 201 - Associate Judge › Subchapter A. Associate Judge › Section 201.008. Attendance of Bailiff

Sec. 201.008.  ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF.  A bailiff may attend a hearing by an associate judge if directed by the referring court.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.