Texas House Bill HB253

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/11
• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Voted on by House: 4/15/11
• Refer: 2/24/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the protection of children by ensuring reports of abuse or neglect, protecting children from abuse and neglect, ensuring that births are reported, and prosecuting the offense of bigamy; providing criminal penalties.

Impact

One of the bill's notable impacts is the amendments to the statute governing bigamy, which increase the penalties associated with such offenses. The bill categorizes bigamy as a felony offense, with graduated penalties based on the age of the individuals involved. This change not only criminalizes the act of bigamy more severely but also aligns with the state's broader commitment to tightening laws that protect vulnerable populations, particularly children. As such, it implicates both criminal law and family law, aiming to impose stricter consequences for actions that affect child welfare significantly.

Summary

House Bill 253 aims to enhance the protection of children in Texas by strengthening the requirements for reporting abuse or neglect and ensuring that births are officially recorded. The legislation introduces several key amendments to existing laws, particularly in the areas of punishment for bigamy and the reporting mechanisms for child welfare concerns. The bill is designed to facilitate immediate action in cases of abuse or neglect, ensuring that children are protected promptly and effectively while also imposing criminal penalties for violations.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HB253, key points of contention emerged concerning the implications of the new reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect. Some lawmakers raised concerns about the feasibility and practicality of implementing these requirements, questioning whether the current system has sufficient resources to handle an increased volume of reports effectively. Additionally, there were discussions regarding the potential overreach of penalties associated with bigamy, with some advocates arguing that not all situations warrant such strict criminalization. Overall, the debate highlighted the balance between ensuring child safety and addressing the complexities of familial relationships.