85R19494 MK-D     By: Price, Frullo, Romero, Jr., Bernal, H.B. No. 1542       Klick, et al.     Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1542:     By:  Keough C.S.H.B. No. 1542       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the definition of the least restrictive environment for   the placement of children in foster care.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 263.001(a), Family Code, is amended by   amending Subdivision (3-a) and adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as   follows:                (3-a)  "Least restrictive setting" means a placement   for a child that, in comparison to all other available placements,   is the most family-like setting.                (3-b)  "Physician assistant" has the meaning assigned   by Section 157.051, Occupations Code.          SECTION 2.  Section 263.001, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  With respect to a child who is removed from the child's   home, if a suitable relative or other designated caregiver is not   available, placing the child in a foster home or a general   residential operation operating as a cottage home is considered the   least restrictive setting.          SECTION 3.  Section 264.001, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows:                (3-a)  "Least restrictive setting" means a placement   for a child that, in comparison to all other available placements,   is the most family-like setting.          SECTION 4.  Section 264.107, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  In selecting a 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.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.