89R32731 RAL-D     By: Hancock S.B. No. 2041     (Noble)     Substitute the following for S.B. No. 2041:  No.       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to procedures for selecting a placement for a child in the   conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective   Services.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 264.107, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (a) and amending Subsection (c) to read as   follows:          (a)  Before placing a child in contract residential care, the   department shall attempt to place the child with a relative or other   designated caregiver as required by Section 262.114(d).          (c)  In selecting a contract residential placement for a   child, the department shall consider whether the placement is in   the child's best interest.  In determining whether a placement is in   a child's best interest, the department shall consider whether the   placement:                (1)  is the least restrictive setting for the child;                (2)  is the closest in geographic proximity to the   child's home;                (3)  is the most able to meet the identified needs of   the child; [and]                (4)  satisfies any expressed interests of the child   relating to placement, when developmentally appropriate; and                (5)  is able to meet the long-term needs of the child,   including placement stability.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.