Relating to the consideration of a history of family violence, child neglect or abuse, or sexual offenses in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

HB 2716 amends Texas Family Code to change how courts handle family violence, child abuse, and sexual offense history in custody cases. It requires courts to consider evidence of abusive physical force or sexual abuse against a spouse, parent, or minor under 18 within two years before a case is filed or during the case. The bill also prohibits a parent from accessing a child if there’s documented family violence history or if the parent committed certain sexual offenses that caused the child’s pregnancy. Courts must evaluate whether protective orders existed against the parent during the relevant time period. This applies to cases filed or pending after the bill’s effective date of September 1, 2025.