Texas Senate Bill SB2198

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the enforcement of a court order for possession of or access to a child.

Impact

The amendments proposed in SB2198 are designed to reinforce the authority of court orders related to child custody and access. They ensure that past violations of court orders carry significant weight in subsequent proceedings, thereby aiming to reduce the likelihood of repeated non-compliance. This shift could lead to more robust enforcement of custody agreements and support the welfare of children by promoting adherence to established court orders.

Summary

SB2198 addresses the enforcement of court orders regarding possession of or access to a child in Texas. The bill amends existing provisions in the Family Code, specifically targeting the consequences for individuals found in contempt of court for failing to comply with such orders. Under the new regulations, if a respondent has a history of contempt in relation to the same child or children, the court is mandated to impose stricter consequences, including the potential loss of the ability to receive community supervision and the requirement to pay attorney's fees.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the bill's provisions, particularly its impact on respondents who may face harsher penalties for previous contempt findings. Critics might argue that such measures could disproportionately affect individuals who face complex personal circumstances leading to non-compliance. The requirement for additional periods of possession or access due to prior contempt could also generate concerns around fairness and the capacity of all parties to comply with increased demands.