Texas Senate Bill SB1751

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/27/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 5/5/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to calculation of the net resources of a person ordered to pay child support.

Impact

The impact of SB1751 on state law includes a more refined methodology for calculating a person’s net resources by incorporating various deductions such as social security taxes, federal income tax, state income tax, union dues, and specific health insurance expenses. Additionally, non-discretionary retirement contributions will also be taken into account if the obligor does not pay social security taxes. These adjustments not only aim to promote fairness in child support calculations but also align with current employment practices where some workers may be required to contribute to retirement plans.

Summary

SB1751 is a bill concerning the calculation of net resources for individuals ordered to pay child support. Specifically, it amends Section 154.062 of the Texas Family Code to provide clarity and account for various deductions that are to be considered when determining the financial obligations of the obligor. The bill aims to ensure a fair assessment of an individual's net resources, which is crucial for setting appropriate child support payments that reflect the obligor's actual financial situation.

Contention

While the bill is seen as a positive step toward ensuring accurate child support calculations, there may be contention regarding its implementation. Questions may arise over how these changes affect existing child support orders and what processes will be put in place to address cases that are already underway at the time of the bill's enactment. Critics of such amendments often voice concerns that new legal interpretations or calculations could complicate enforcement and compliance with child support obligations, leading to disputes in court regarding past support orders.