Texas House Bill HB2008

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to certain costs and fees in a Title IV-D case.

Impact

The impact of HB 2008 extends to families involved in Title IV-D cases, allowing for clearer guidance on who bears the costs of legal proceedings related to child support. This is significant as it can alleviate some financial strain on individuals seeking to enforce or contest child support orders. The bill also seeks to ensure that the process is more efficient, thereby reducing delays in legal proceedings that can negatively affect children and families waiting for resolution.

Summary

House Bill 2008 addresses the authorization of certain costs and fees within Title IV-D cases, which pertain specifically to child support and the enforcement of related legal actions. The bill outlines the fees that the Title IV-D agency is required to cover, including those for filing, service of process, issuance and delivery of orders, and various other related legal processes. This financial framework aims to streamline the operating expenses associated with managing such cases, ensuring that necessary costs do not burden the individuals involved in the legal process.

Contention

While no major points of contention were noted in the discussions surrounding HB 2008, potential opposition could arise with respect to how the costs may affect low-income families, particularly regarding access to justice in civil matters. Critics may argue that the financial parameters established could still pose barriers to enforcement actions, especially if additional fees are incurred during the process. However, supporters would likely emphasize that standardizing these fees is a necessary step toward improving the legal framework for child support enforcement.