Relating to the licensing of relative or other designated caregivers by the Department of Family and Protective Services and monetary assistance provided to certain relative or designated caregivers.

SB 545 creates a new licensing process for relatives or designated caregivers (such as grandparents or family members caring for children in their home) to qualify for foster care payments instead of the current permanency care assistance program. The bill establishes a specific licensing procedure under Section 42.0539 of the Human Resources Code, requiring caregivers to meet basic safety standards set by the Department of Family and Protective Services. Once licensed, caregivers can receive foster care payments starting the first month of licensing and are no longer eligible for permanency care assistance benefits. This directly affects caregivers currently enrolled in Texas' permanency care assistance program who choose to pursue licensing.