Texas Senate Bill SB1777

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/23/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/27/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to disbursement of child support payments in Title IV-D cases.

Impact

The impact of SB1777 is significant for the administration of child support payments in Texas. By facilitating direct deposits into a debit card account, the bill aims to enhance accessibility for obligees who may not have traditional banking facilities. The bill mandates that users of the debit card system be issued instructions for activation and use, which promotes transparency and awareness regarding newly available financial tools. Moreover, the bill simplifies the process for the state disbursement unit to handle payments by standardizing the disbursement methods. If the obligee prefers, they still have the option to receive payments via traditional paper warrants, ensuring that those not inclined or able to use electronic methods are not disenfranchised.

Summary

SB1777 is a legislative act that focuses on the disbursement of child support payments in Title IV-D cases in the state of Texas. The bill amends existing provisions within the Family Code to enhance the methods by which child support payments can be made to obligees. One of the core elements of the bill involves the obligation of the state disbursement unit to deposit child support payments directly into an account maintained by the obligee, or alternatively, into a debit card account established for the obligee in situations where no such personal account is maintained. This shift is designed to streamline the payment process for both the obligee and the state agency responsible for disbursing these funds.

Conclusion

Overall, SB1777 represents a forward-looking step in updating the disbursement methods for child support payments, reflecting a growing trend towards electronic transactions in public welfare. By modernizing the approach to child support disbursement, Texas aims to increase efficiency while keeping in mind the varying needs of families reliant on such support.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB1777 may arise from discussions about the feasibility and efficiency of implementing a debit card system for child support payments. Concerns could include the potential costs associated with setting up and maintaining such a system, as well as worries about the security of these electronic payments. Additionally, while the bill intends to streamline processes, there may be pushback from groups advocating for more comprehensive banking access strategies for families receiving child support, emphasizing that electronic benefits transfer alone might not sufficiently address the broader issues of financial inequality.