Texas House Bill HB1466

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/17/11
• Refer: 3/2/11

Caption

Relating to authorizing a suit to declare that certain young people have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and extending the jurisdiction of certain courts making such a declaration.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Texas Family Code would extend the jurisdiction of courts over these cases, allowing judges to maintain authority over a young adult until they reach 21 years of age, receive lawful permanent residence, or exhaust their appeals regarding immigration status. This jurisdictional extension represents a significant shift in protecting vulnerable young adults by facilitating their access to legal resources and status adjustments. Additionally, the bill mandates record-keeping of the number of cases filed, helping assess the case management of young adults seeking special immigrant status, without compromising personal data privacy.

Summary

HB1466 is a legislative proposal aimed at authorizing a suit for certain young adults seeking to declare their status as abused, neglected, or abandoned in order to qualify for special immigrant status under federal law. This bill specifically allows young adults, defined as individuals aged 18 to 21 who are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents of the United States, to file a petition in court for this declaration. Such a petition would enable them to present evidence that supports their claims of abuse or neglect, which is crucial for obtaining legal immigrant status in the U.S.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1466 appears to be supportive among advocates for immigrant rights and child welfare, as it provides a pathway for vulnerable youth to gain legal protections and assistance. However, there may be concerns among some lawmakers regarding the implications of extending court jurisdictions and the state's role in immigration matters. The bill represents broader discussions in Texas about how to deal with the status of unsheltered young immigrants who may face challenges in navigating legal systems designed for minors.

Contention

Notable points of contention likely revolve around the implications of state courts being involved in federal immigration matters. Critics may argue that this act grants state courts authority that could conflict with federal jurisdiction and potentially complicate immigration processes. Proponents argue that it fills a gap in protections for young individuals at risk of falling through the cracks of the legal system, prompting discussions about the balance between federal immigration laws and state responsibilities in safeguarding at-risk populations.