H.B. No. 1781
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to access by a sibling of a child separated from the
  sibling due to an action by the Department of Family and Protective
  Services.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 102.0045, Family Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
         (a-1)  The sibling of a child who is separated from the
  sibling as the result of an action by the Department of Family and
  Protective Services may file an original suit as provided by
  Section 153.551 requesting access to the child, regardless of the
  age of the sibling. A court shall expedite a suit filed under this
  subsection.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1781 was passed by the House on April
  16, 2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 145, Nays 1, 2 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1781 was passed by the Senate on May
  26, 2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor