Texas House Bill HB1970

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/23/11
• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Report Pass: 3/21/11

Caption

Relating to the periodic review of the child support guidelines.

Impact

The bill's implementation could lead to more regular updates and improvements to the child support framework in Texas, taking into account contemporary economic data and societal changes. By requiring a legislative check-in every four years, the bill emphasizes a commitment to adapt to the evolving landscape of family law, potentially improving the financial security of children and ensuring a fairer distribution of parental responsibilities and resources.

Summary

House Bill 1970 aims to establish a structured process for the periodic review of child support guidelines in Texas. The legislation mandates that prior to every regular legislative session, the relevant committees within each house of the legislature that oversee family law should review these guidelines. Based on their findings, the committees may recommend necessary changes to optimize child support arrangements. This review process aims to ensure that the guidelines remain relevant and effective in addressing the needs of children and families within the state.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at enhancing child support guidelines, there are potential contentions that could arise regarding the specifics of the changes being proposed. Critics may argue that frequent reviews could introduce inconsistencies or confusion among parents attempting to navigate the child support system. Moreover, the nature of recommended revisions could spark debates regarding fairness and equity, particularly if stakeholders from different demographic backgrounds perceive the changes differently. Supporters, however, assert that dynamism in guidelines is crucial to adequately reflect the realities of raising children today.