Texas House Bill HB2415

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/2/09

Caption

Relating to the enforcement of a court order requiring an inmate imprisoned in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to pay child support.

Impact

The passage of HB2415 would modernize the enforcement mechanism for child support payments related to incarcerated individuals, thereby potentially increasing financial support for children while ensuring that the inmates adhere to their legal obligations. By prioritizing withdrawals from inmate accounts for child support along with other responsibilities such as restitution and court fees, the bill emphasizes the state's commitment to enforce these obligations irrespective of the inmate's status. This enforcement may enhance the financial stability of families affected by incarceration.

Summary

House Bill 2415 addresses the enforcement of court orders that require inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to pay child support. The bill amends the Government Code to establish a clear procedure by which the department can withdraw obtained funds from an inmate's account to fulfill these court orders. It specifies that upon notification by the court, the department must automatically withdraw the ordered amounts, ensuring that financial responsibilities are fulfilled even while the individual is incarcerated. This aims to streamline the process by which child support obligations are met, potentially benefiting children dependent on these funds.

Contention

Though no significant points of contention were detailed in the provided information regarding HB2415, typical discussions around similar legislation usually revolve around the fairness and ethical implications of extracting financial support from inmates. Critics might argue that while the intention to support children is commendable, it could also place an undue burden on inmates who may already be in a precarious financial situation while incarcerated. Considerations include whether inmates can justifiably meet these obligations alongside their other living costs, as well as the potential social impacts of exacerbating poverty among those recently released from incarceration.