Texas House Bill HB927

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the possession of a child less than three years of age in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

Impact

The amendment is intended to reflect the evolving understanding of child welfare, allowing judges to consider various factors when determining custody arrangements for very young children. By enabling the courts to act based on what is deemed 'appropriate under the circumstances', HB 927 aims to ensure that custody decisions are more tailored to the individual needs of the child and parents involved. This could have considerable implications for how custody cases are handled, particularly in contentious situations where the child's well-being is paramount.

Summary

House Bill 927 amends the Texas Family Code to address the possession of children under three years of age in legal suits affecting the parent-child relationship. The bill stipulates that the court may render an order for the possession of such children if it finds that the arrangement is in the child's best interest. This amendment signifies a shift from a mandatory to a discretionary approach, potentially giving judges more flexibility in making custody decisions for young children.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB 927 is the balance between judicial discretion and the need for consistent legal standards in custody decisions. Advocates for the amendment argue that the best interest of the child should be the primary focus, rather than a rigid adherence to predetermined custody arrangements. However, critics may raise concerns that greater discretion could lead to inconsistency in judicial decision-making, potentially resulting in unequal outcomes for children in similar circumstances.