Family Freedom Project Priority Bills
Parental Rights Constitutional Amendment
The Parental Rights Amendment to the Texas Constitution (SJR 34 by Senator Hughes and HJR 112 by Representative Frank) would enshrine the right of parents to raise their children for future generations. Right now, the rights of Texas parents rest almost entirely in the hands of unelected federal judges, who come and go regularly and could change their minds on parental rights at any time.
- SJR 34 was passed unanimously by the Senate.
- HJR 112 received a unanimous vote in the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
- Read more about this bill.
Parental Presumption Bill
This bill (SB 2052 by Senator Birdwell and HB 4656 by Representative Vasut) reinforces parental rights by establishing clearly in Texas law that judges must give preference to parental decisions regarding a parent’s child. It provides clear legal standards for overcoming this presumption, ensuring that parental rights are only infringed on when necessary to protect a child from significant harm.
- SB 2052 passed out of Committee and is set to be heard in the Senate.
- HB 4656 is set to be heard in the House Subcommittee on Family and Fiduciary Relationships
- Read more about this bill.
CPS Evidence Bill
This bill (SB 1971 by Senator Middleton and HB 3758 by Representative Schatzline) addresses significant deficiencies in the quality of evidence CPS currently uses to prosecute families, evidence that would never be allowed in almost any other type of lawsuit. In a nutshell, this bill would require that CPS comply with the rules of evidence that are already used in criminal cases. FFP is working with various coalition partners to support this bill.
- SB 1971 has been introduced and referred to the Senate Jurisprudence Committee.
- HB 3758 has been heard in the House Subcommittee on Family and Fiduciary Relationships.