Texas Senate Bill SB865

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/15/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/23/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by House: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to child support enforcement and disbursement and to health care coverage for children in Title IV-D cases.

Impact

The implementation of SB865 is expected to have a significant impact on the way child support is administered and enforced in Texas. The bill outlines specific criteria for how courts may order health insurance for children, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability of coverage. Moreover, the Act introduces a structured approach for deductibles and unreimbursed medical expenses, ensuring that both parents share financial responsibilities for their child's health care needs. As a result, the bill aims to streamline legal proceedings related to child support and health care responsibilities, potentially leading to better compliance and fewer disputes.

Summary

SB865 addresses several modifications to the enforcement and disbursement of child support in the state of Texas. Central to the bill is an update to the Family Code, which includes amendments to various sections regarding the jurisdiction over child support orders and the financial responsibilities of obligors. The bill aims to improve the effectiveness of child support enforcement mechanisms and ensure that children receive the financial support they are entitled to. Notably, it includes provisions for courts to assess and enforce health care coverage obligations for children in Title IV-D cases.

Contention

Despite the positive intent behind SB865, some potential points of contention have emerged from stakeholders' discussions. One concern is regarding the increased burden on non-custodial parents, particularly those facing financial difficulties, as the bill mandates a structured financial obligation that may be challenging to meet. Additionally, the administrative implementation of the new enforcement measures may require additional resources and training for court officials and child support agencies, raising questions about the bill's feasibility. Critics may argue that while reforms are necessary, the approach taken by SB865 could disproportionately affect lower-income families.