TX SB2165

Courts must retain jurisdiction and extend the dismissal date by 180 days when a child in Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) substitute care is found to be missing

Cases involving missing children cannot be dismissed until either the child is found or the child becomes ineligible for department services and benefits

Prohibits courts from dismissing DFPS parent-child relationship suits while the department is permanent managing conservator and the child is missing from substitute care or committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department

Automatic dismissal occurs without court order if the trial on the merits does not commence before the extended dismissal date

Effective date: September 1, 2025