Relating to prohibiting the dismissal of certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services.

HB 4805 prevents courts from dismissing child welfare cases filed by Texas’ Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) when a child is missing from their foster care placement or committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The bill amends the Family Code to require courts to retain jurisdiction in these specific situations, ensuring cases cannot be closed while the child remains in care or missing. It applies directly to DFPS custody cases involving children in foster care or juvenile justice systems, unless adoption or permanent custody has been granted to another person. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change existing procedures for other cases.