Texas House Passes Bills Banning Child Marriage, Expanding Childcare Support

Texas lawmakers are advancing significant legislation addressing child marriage and childcare support. House Bill 168, which aims to close a loophole allowing minors as young as 16 to marry if emancipated, has passed the Texas House with strong support and is headed to the Senate; it would prohibit counties from issuing marriage licenses to minors and void existing marriages involving minors, addressing concerns about trafficking and abuse linked to child marriage. Advocates emphasize the bill's importance in protecting children and providing legal recourse for survivors, while lawmakers clarify it will not change the age of consent, which remains 17. On childcare, bills passed by both legislative chambers and awaiting Governor Greg Abbott's signature would prioritize children of childcare workers on waiting lists and establish a website to help employers find childcare resources for employees, reflecting efforts to improve childcare access and quality amid a large unmet demand. Meanwhile, a separate bill passed by the Texas House would exempt parents from definitions of abuse and neglect if they refuse to affirm their child's gender identity or sexual orientation, sparking debate over potential harm to LGBTQ youth. These legislative moves highlight ongoing Texas debates over family, child welfare, and social policy.