Texas House Bill HB494

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/14/09

Caption

Relating to involuntary termination of parental rights based on attempted murder or solicitation of murder of the child's other parent.

Impact

If enacted, HB494 would modify existing legal standards governing the termination of parental rights. The inclusion of attempted murder or solicitation as grounds for termination signifies an expansion of situations in which a parent could lose their legal rights to their child without requiring a long-standing history of neglect or abuse. The bill seeks to protect children in circumstances where their safety is jeopardized by the actions of a parent, thus aligning legal outcomes with the severity of the actions taken against another parent.

Summary

House Bill 494 proposes amendments to the Texas Family Code, specifically allowing for the involuntary termination of parental rights when a parent is found to have attempted murder or solicited the murder of the child's other parent. This legislation is rooted in the idea that any violent crime against a parent that endangers the child's safety and wellbeing should lead to serious legal consequences reflecting the gravity of the offense. The bill underscores the principle of placing the best interest of the child at the forefront of parental rights legislation.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny and contention regarding the balance between ensuring child safety and the rights of parents. Critics of such legislation could argue that it raises concerns about due process and the full context of familial relationships being overlooked. The measure's potential to affect the parent-child relationship irrevocably amid serious criminal allegations may lead to debates about fairness, especially in situations where accusations might arise from contentious custody disputes or other complicated familial situations. The premise of acting in the best interest of the child will be a significant point of discussion among lawmakers.