Senate Bill 513

“Our next two years are the rest of their lives.”

Welcome to the SB 513 Information Hub (current status: 02/03/25 Referred to Health and Human Services Committee)

“Our next two years are the rest of their lives.”

What is SB 513?

Senate Bill 513, authored by Senator Kevin Sparks and co-authored by Senator César Blanco and Senator Charles Perry, introduces a Rural Community-Based Care Pilot Program to address critical gaps in child welfare services across rural Texas. This groundbreaking legislation focuses on empowering local communities to create sustainable, effective systems of care tailored to the unique challenges rural families face. A companion House Bill 1536 was filed by Representative Tom Craddick.

Key Highlights of SB 513:

A Bill Born from Collaboration

SB 513 was developed with input from the West Texas Together coalition, a partnership of local leaders, child welfare advocates, and service providers dedicated to transforming child welfare in rural regions like the Concho Valley.

How the West Texas Together Coalition Shaped SB 513:

How SB 513 Will Impact Kinship Families in the Concho Valley

Kinship families—relatives stepping in to care for children when parents cannot—are a cornerstone of child welfare. Yet, many kinship families in rural areas face challenges accessing resources and support. SB 513 changes that by providing:

Why SB 513 Matters

For children in rural Texas, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This bill represents a lifeline for families and a blueprint for creating a stronger, more resilient child welfare system.

By supporting SB 513, we’re not just passing legislation—we’re committing to a future where every child, caregiver, and family in the Concho Valley has the tools they need to thrive.

Take Action

📢 Support SB 513 Today!

Together, we can make a lasting impact. “Our next two years are the rest of their lives.”


WTT-SB513-Kit.pdf