foster parent training cap drops from 35 to 20 hours

The text as introduced · 392 words

2025S0052-1 01/30/25

By: Lujan
H.B. No. 4322

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to required training for caregivers to children, including

foster parents.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 42.0537, Human Resources Code, is

amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsections

(b-1) and (b-2) to read as follows:

(a) The department and each single source continuum

contractor shall include a provision in each contract with a

child-placing agency with whom children in the managing

conservatorship of the department are placed that requires the

child-placing agency to provide competency-based, preservice

training to a potential caregiver before the child-placing agency

verifies or approves the caregiver as a foster or adoptive home.

Except as provided by Subsection (d), the amount of training

required by this subsection may not exceed 20 [ 35 ] hours.

(b) The department shall adopt policies to ensure that each

potential caregiver receives competency-based, preservice training

before the department verifies or approves the caregiver as a

foster or adoptive home. Except as provided by Subsection (d), the

amount of training required by this subsection may not exceed 20

[ 35 ] hours.

(b-1) Prior to licensure renewal, each caregiver shall

successfully complete competency-based, annual training on

subjects affecting the daily living experiences of foster parenting

and the needs of children in care. The amount of annual training

required of each caregiver may not exceed 10 hours. The department,

single source continuum contractor, or child-placing agency

licensing the caregiver shall ensure that required annual training

subjects are relevant to the caregiver's license or the unique

needs of the children placed with the caregiver. The commissioner

and executive commissioner shall collaborate to adopt rules

necessary to implement this subsection.

(b-2) A foster parent may waive the daily reimbursement rate

for foster care services. If the foster parent elects to waive the

daily reimbursement rate, the foster parent shall be exempt from

the annual training requirements under Subsection (b-1) except for

any training the department, child-placing agency, or single source

continuum contractor determines is necessary to meet the unique

needs of the child placed with the foster parent. Such training may

not exceed five hours per year. The commissioner and executive

commissioner shall collaborate to adopt rules necessary to

implement this subsection.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.