Texas Senate Bill SB716

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/15/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/14/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/24/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/8/11
• Report Pass: 3/14/11
• Voted on by House: 4/13/11
• Engrossed: 3/24/11
• Governor Action: 4/21/11
• Refer: 4/4/11
• Report Pass: 4/6/11
• Enrolled: 4/13/11
• Passed: 4/21/11

Caption

Relating to the periodic review of the child support guidelines.

Impact

The implementation of SB716 would ensure that child support guidelines are regularly updated and assessed for their applicability and effectiveness. This could potentially lead to more equitable support arrangements that reflect current economic conditions and societal changes. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Title IV-D agency review the guidelines every four years, thereby introducing a system of accountability and responsiveness to the evolving needs of families. The economic implications of these guidelines are vital, as they directly affect family welfare and financial obligations.

Summary

Senate Bill 716 aims to establish a mandatory framework for the periodic review of child support guidelines in Texas. This legislation requires that prior to each regular legislative session, relevant standing committees in both houses of the legislature review the existing guidelines for child custody and support. The committees are tasked with reporting the results of these reviews, including any recommended revisions, to ensure that the guidelines remain relevant and effective in addressing child support issues within the state.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the frequency and implications of the reviews mandated by SB716. Some stakeholders might be concerned that frequent revisions could introduce instability in child support agreements, leading to confusion for families. On the contrary, proponents of the bill argue that regular reviews are essential to adapt to changes in economic circumstances, ensuring that child support obligations reflect the current cost of living and other relevant factors. The dialogue around this bill will likely revolve around balancing the need for stable support structures with the necessity for responsive updates to guidelines.