Our Recap
This Session, our network developed priorities and key issues, we tracked more bills than ever before, our members testified before State decision-makers, and YOU joined us every step of the way.
This is our Legislative Toolkit that provides a session wrap-up, including information on budget details, major funding initiatives, individual bills that have passed, and the effect to kids and families in Texas.
Did you know?
The 89th Session is the 24th regular legislative session that TACFS has participated in AND 2025 is our 50th Anniversary! We have been celebrating this milestone anniversary all year through our Advocacy Day in January, by telling our story #ontheblog, and through the 50 for 50 Campaign. Read up on our history and learn more about the campaign online at tacfs.org/50for50.
Big Wins for Texas Kids, Families & Providers
Family Support
TACFS strongly supported a comprehensive investment in support for keeping families safely together.
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HB 1 Family First Pilots
Legislators funded $22.9 million to sustain the Texas Family First Pilots and expand eligible populations. These pilots serve families with youth at imminent risk of removal.
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HB 1 Heart Galleries
The budget also included $12 million to sustain the Heart Galleries of Texas. This effort continues funding for 11 regional heart galleries and infuses post-adoption support funding into communities statewide.
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HB 1 Kinship
The legislature funded $3 million to expand kinship family support for children with behavioral health needs.
Mental Health
Our network is advocating for increased access to mental health professionals through Medicaid and expanded mental health services throughout the continuum.
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HB 1 Mobile Crisis
The legislature funded $40 million to HHSC for youth mobile crisis outreach teams.
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HB 1 Capacity & Rates
They also funded $92.6 million for rate increases and expanded capacity at community mental health hospitals.
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HB 1 Credentialing
The budget also includes a directive to HHSC to analyze and implement improvements to the Medicaid credentialing system (the process by which providers become verified to bill through Medicaid).
Liability & Regulatory
We supported sustainability of foster homes and community organizations through targeted liability support and simplified regulations for community-based organizations and SSCCs.
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SB 1558 Liability
This landmark legislation sets a national standard for improved access to liability insurance for Texas providers. It clarifies protection for non-profit providers under the Charitable Immunity and Liability Act and establishes a framework for “good standing."
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HB 2789 SSCCs
Removes CPA Licensure requirements for SSCCs, Tuberculosis testing requirements, minimum liability insurance requirements, trespass posting, and more. This bill is a follow-up to SB 593 from the 89th Legislature.
Statewide Rollout of CBC & T3C
TACFS supported the continued rollout of CBC and T3C, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity to serve high acuity kids and youth.
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HB 1 T3C
Sustained T3C Rates and allocated another $12 million for provider readiness grants.
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HB 1 Expansion
The budget included sustained implementation of current CBC areas and funded expansion into 7A, 7B, 11A, and 11B.
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SB 513 Going West
Legislators approved and funded $5 million for a West Texas CBC Pilot.
89R Bill Tracker
We tracked a record number of bills this session. Filter, sort, and search below by topic below to view bills that passed or failed relating to Texas foster care.
| Bill Number | Author | Status | Caption | TACFS Notes | Categories |
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