By: Rodriguez of Travis H.B. No. 4124 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a foster children's bill of rights. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 263.008(b), Family Code, is amended by to read as follows: (b) It is the policy of this state that each child in foster care be informed of the child's rights provided by state or federal law or policy that relate to: (1) abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and harassment, which includes discrimination and harassment based on gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, medical problems or sexual orientation; (2) food, clothing, shelter, and education; (3) medical, dental, vision, and mental health services, including the right of the child to consent to treatment; (4) emergency behavioral intervention, including what methods are permitted, the conditions under which it may be used, and the precautions that must be taken when administering it; (5) placement with the child's siblings and contact with members of the child's family; (6) privacy and searches, including the use of storage space, mail, and the telephone; (7) participation in school-related extracurricular or community activities; (8) interaction with persons outside the foster care system, including teachers, church members, mentors, and friends; (9) contact and communication with caseworkers, attorneys ad litem, guardians ad litem, and court-appointed special advocates; (10) the freedom to choose a religion or attend religious services and activities of the child's choosing, which includes the choice not to practice a religion; (11) confidentiality of the child's records; (12) job skills, personal finances, and preparation for adulthood; (13) participation in a court hearing that involves the child; (14) participation in the development of service and treatment plans; (15) if the child has a disability, the advocacy and protection of the rights of a person with that disability; and (16) any other matter affecting the child's ability to receive care and treatment in the least restrictive environment that is most like a family setting, consistent with the best interests and needs of the child. SECTION 2. Section 42.042, Human Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsection (s) to read as follows: (s) The department may not make a rule that: (1) discriminates based on gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, medical problems, or sexual orientation, or (2) limits a foster child's rights to choose a religion, or attend religious services or activities of the child's choosing, which includes the choice not to practice a religion. SECTION 3. Section 263.008(h), Family Code, is repealed. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017.