89R3636 MM-D     By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 681       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to policies and procedures of the Department of Family and   Protective Services, including regarding service plans and   post-removal assessments.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 263.1021, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:          (c-1)  If the department does not accept the certification   from a service provider under Subsection (c), not later than the   48th hour after the department issues the denial, the department   shall notify the parent's state representative, the parent's state   senator, and the department's office of internal affairs about the   department's denial of the certification and the reason for the   denial.          SECTION 2.  Section 264.1076, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:          (b-1)  In addition to the medical examination required by   Subsection (b), the department shall ensure that not later than the   end of the 15th day after the date a child described by Subsection   (a) is removed from the child's home, the child receives:                (1)  a child and adolescent needs and strengths   assessment; and                (2)  a medical checkup conducted in accordance with the   Texas Health Steps program.          SECTION 3.  Section 264.1076(b-1), Family Code, as added by   this Act, applies only to a child who enters the conservatorship of   the Department of Family and Protective Services on or after the   effective date of this Act. A child who enters the conservatorship   of the Department of Family and Protective Services before the   effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the   date the child entered the conservatorship of the department, and   the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 4.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to   a suit filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services on   or after the effective date of this Act.  A suit filed by the   department before that date is governed by the law in effect on the   date the suit was filed, and the former law is continued in effect   for that purpose.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.