Texas Senate Bill SB1440

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Vetoed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to orders and judgments rendered by associate judges in child support and child protection cases and to the investigation of child abuse and neglect.

Impact

This bill impacts state laws significantly by modifying the current procedural framework for family law cases involving child support and protection. By allowing proposed orders to automatically take effect under certain conditions, the bill seeks to reduce delays in the enforcement of these judgments. This is particularly important in cases involving child welfare, where timely decisions are critical to the safety and well-being of children involved.

Summary

SB1440 amends the Family Code related to orders and judgments rendered by associate judges in child support and child protection cases. It establishes provisions that streamline the process by which these orders become effective, specifically noting that if a request for a de novo hearing before the referring court is not timely filed, the proposed order or judgment will automatically become the order of the referring court. This change aims to enhance efficiency in the judicial process concerning these sensitive cases.

Contention

Notable points of contention that may arise from SB1440 include concerns about the rights of individuals who may wish to contest the proposed orders. Critics may argue that the automatic nature of these judgments could limit a party's ability to seek a fair hearing, particularly in complex cases where nuances exist. The lack of a signature or ratification by the referring court could be perceived as undermining the judicial scrutiny typically expected in family law matters, raising questions about oversight and accountability.

Overall_significance

The bill's focus on expediting judicial processes reflects broader trends in legislative efforts to streamline court operations, especially in family law. If enacted, SB1440 could serve as a precedent for future reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the legal system in handling sensitive family-related issues, potentially impacting both families and the legal professionals who work within this system.