TX SB1987

Raises the evidentiary standard for terminating parental rights from "clear and convincing evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt," the same standard used in criminal cases

Narrows grounds for termination by requiring that endangerment of a child must result in "immediate danger that resulted in serious bodily injury or physical or mental impairment" rather than simply endangering the child's well-being

Eliminates several grounds for termination including: failure to enroll child in school, child running away, prior termination of parental rights with another child, constructive abandonment while in DFPS custody, and failure to comply with court-ordered reunification plans

Requires courts ordering termination in DFPS cases to make specific written findings describing both the department's reasonable efforts to return the child and the continuing danger preventing return

Applies only to suits filed on or after September 1, 2025, with pending cases governed by prior law