89th Legislative Session

89th Texas Legislative Session – Family Preservation and Child Welfare

The 89th Texas Legislature's regular session will run from January 14 to June 2, 2025. With Republicans controlling both the Texas House and Senate, this 140-day lawmaking period will address crucial policy decisions that could significantly impact family preservation and child welfare across the state. At San Angelo Family Network, we will be closely tracking proposed legislation that affects kinship caregivers, child welfare policies, and family support systems. 

Our focus is to keep you informed on the bills that matter most to Texas families and advocate for policies that promote safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. Stay connected for updates on how these legislative decisions could shape the lives of kinship families. 

For more behind-the-scenes insights, consider subscribing to The Blast, the Texas Tribune's premier newsletter for political developments statewide.

SAFN Bill tracker - up-to-date list of Senate and House bills that directly impact family preservation, kinship families, and child welfare.

Texas Legislature Online  - List of filed bills

Texas Tribune: Texas Legislature 101 -  How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process

MyTLO - create a bill list, bill alerts and other notifications

Bill status hotline - 877-824-7038 - get “up-to-the-minute” information about a bill’s status, the legislative process, help getting a copy of the bill and contact information for a lawmaker’s office

Legislative Highlights in the 89th Texas Legislative Session - as of February 10, 2025

The bills introduced in both the House and Senate for the 89th Texas Legislative Session reveal a clear focus on strengthening child welfare systems, supporting kinship families, and enhancing family preservation services.

In the House, proposed legislation aims to streamline financial support for children in state care, improve oversight of child welfare investigations through external audits, and encourage eligible families to access federal and state assistance programs. Additional bills highlight the importance of ensuring timely completion of child welfare services and addressing educational support for vulnerable children.

In the Senate, priorities include expanding access to prekindergarten programs, providing tuition and fee exemptions for certain students, and ensuring relative caregivers receive adequate support. Other bills emphasize enhancing paid leave benefits for state employees and improving the eligibility criteria for kinship caregivers.

Together, these legislative efforts underscore a commitment to improving systemic support for children and families, ensuring timely interventions, and strengthening educational and financial resources for caregivers. The focus is on proactive measures, accountability, and providing stable, nurturing environments to promote long-term family well-being.

January 14, 2025 

Rep. Dustin Burrows, a Republican from Lubbock, was elected Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, concluding a contentious leadership battle within the state's GOP.

Burrows secured the position after two voting rounds, ultimately defeating Rep. David Cook of Mansfield with an 85-55 vote. His victory was achieved through a coalition comprising 49 Democrats and 36 Republicans, highlighting his bipartisan appeal. In his acceptance speech, Burrows emphasized his commitment to maintaining the House's independence and ensuring that all members have a voice, stating, "Every district will have a seat at the table." Read more at The Texas Tribune