Texas HB1973 requires petitioners to submit a child's birth certificate in parent-child relationship suits, with confidentiality ensured.

Texas HB1973 amends the Family Code to require petitioners in suits affecting the parent-child relationship to submit a certified copy of the child's birth certificate if available. If unavailable, the court may request another party to submit a copy. If no party has a copy or if the copy does not name both parents, the court may request one from any source. The court must keep any submitted certificate or proof confidential. The Title IV-D agency is exempt from certain requirements when filing a petition. The changes apply to suits filed after the Act's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB1973 requires petitioners to submit a child's birth certificate in parent-child relationship suits, with confidentiality ensured.

Texas HB1973 amends the Family Code to require petitioners in suits affecting the parent-child relationship to submit a certified copy of the child's birth certificate if available. If unavailable, the court may request another party to submit a copy. If no party has a copy or if the copy does not name both parents, the court may request one from any source. The court must keep any submitted certificate or proof confidential. The Title IV-D agency is exempt from certain requirements when filing a petition. The changes apply to suits filed after the Act's effective date of September 1, 2025.