HB 3996 extends the mandatory dismissal deadline for certain child welfare cases involving the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill allows a parent to request an extension in open court, and the judge may retain the case on the docket for up to 180 additional days if extraordinary circumstances require the child to remain in DFPS custody. The bill also mandates that judges must find extraordinary circumstances exist if a parent is actively working on completing a required service plan (such as substance abuse treatment) and is on track to regain custody.