The House Human Services Committee on Monday hears a series of bills aiming to improve Texas' troubled foster system, including a proposal making it easier for relatives to adopt at-risk children.
A federal judge has ruled that the system violated children's constitutional rights and Gov. Greg Abbott made overhauling it a legislative priority, noting that 100-plus youngsters died in state custody last year alone.
Lawmakers already approved around $150 million to make emergency fixes, but lasting changes will come from bills filed in the House and similar measures working their way through the Senate.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
