Senator Hughes explained the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1398, saying it makes multiple changes intended to reduce a fiscal note and remove duplicative or unnecessary reporting. Among the adjustments, the substitute removes family‑based safety and reunification services from the family‑preservation rubric, deletes a redundant use of the word “safe” in temporary emergency supervision language, removes certain data reporting items that DFPS already provides, removes language allowing parents to choose service providers (a change aimed at lowering the fiscal note), condenses Community Based Care (CBC) reporting, and reduces audit frequency by the State Auditor to once biennially instead of annually.

Senator Sandra Hancock raised concerns about removing judicial discretion: she acknowledged some judges had abused discretion but warned that judicial oversight can sometimes prevent poor agency decisions. Senator Hughes and others described extensive interim work with DFPS, HHSC, and other agencies to expand placement infrastructure after COVID-era placement shortfalls; they said some judges previously ordered placements that led to hotel or office placements and that reforms and increased capacity aim to reduce those outcomes. The committee adopted the substitute by voice and moved the substitute forward; a roll call later recorded committee favorable reporting to the Senate with an 8–0 vote.