TX HB4805

Requires courts to retain jurisdiction and prohibits case dismissal when a child is missing from their substitute care provider, with a new dismissal date set 180 days after the previous one

Case dismissal is blocked until either the child is found or reaches the age when they are no longer eligible for department services or benefits

If the court retains jurisdiction but does not begin trial on the merits before the new dismissal date, the suit is automatically dismissed without a court order

Prohibits courts from dismissing DFPS suits when a child under the department's permanent managing conservatorship is missing from their substitute care provider

Maintains existing prohibition on case dismissal while a child is committed to or under supervision of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department

Takes effect September 1, 2025