Relating to extensions of the mandatory dismissal date in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services.

HB 3996 extends the deadline for dismissing certain child welfare cases where the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has temporary custody. It allows courts to delay the mandatory dismissal date by up to 180 days if a parent is making good-faith efforts to complete their court-ordered service plan (including substance abuse treatment) and the court plans to return the child to the parent upon completion. The bill requires courts to formally find "extraordinary circumstances" and issue specific orders scheduling the new dismissal date, safety measures for the child, and a trial date within the extended timeframe. This directly affects parents in DFPS custody cases who are working toward reunification but need additional time to meet treatment requirements. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.