Texas § HR.31.002 - DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD

Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § HR.31.002 — DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ HR.31.002. DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD

DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD. (a) In this chapter, the term "dependent child" applies to a child: (1) who is a resident of this state; (2) who is under 18 years of age or is under 19 years of age and is a full-time student in a secondary school or at the equivalent level of vocational or technical training if, before the child's 19th birthday, the child may reasonably be expected to complete the secondary school or training program; (3) who has been deprived of parental support or care because of the death, continued absence from home, or physical or mental incapacity of a parent; (4) who has insufficient income or other resources to provide a reasonable subsistence compatible with health and decency; and (5) who is living in the home residence of his or her father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, or niece. (b) In this chapter, the term "dependent child" also applies to a child: (1) who meets the specifications set forth in Subsections (a)(1)-(4); (2) who has been removed from the home of a relative specified in Subsection (a)(5) as a result of a judicial determination that the child's residence there is contrary to his or her welfare; (3) whose placement and care are the responsibility of the Department of Family and Protective Services or an agency with which the Department of Family and Protective Services has entered into an agreement for the care and supervision of the child; (4) who has been placed in a residential child-care facility by the Department of Family and Protective Services; and (5) for whom the state may receive federal funds for the purpose of providing foster care in accordance with rules promulgated by the executive commissioner. Acts 1979, 66th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 842, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 395, Sec. 1, eff. June 2, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 8.014, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219 ), Sec. 4.040, eff. April 2, 2015. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 317 (H.B. 7 ), Sec. 42, eff. September 1, 2017.

Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § HR.31.002

What does The Texas Constitution § HR.31.002 cover?

Section HR.31.002 ("DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Texas § HR.31.002?

A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § HR.31.002" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Texas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.

How does Texas § HR.31.002 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.