Texas House Bill HB2464

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to an additional fee for certain birth records to fund child abuse prevention programs; imposing a fee.

Impact

The bill's provisions will modify the existing fee structure associated with birth certificates and provide a direct funding source for child abuse prevention initiatives. By introducing these fees, the legislation expects to enhance the resources available for vital child welfare programs. This shift may also encourage a more proactive approach in tackling child abuse rates through better funding mechanisms tailored for prevention efforts. Given the economic constraints faced by many funded programs, this bill ensures a steady stream of financial support from a specific regulatory change.

Summary

House Bill 2464 focuses on introducing an additional fee for specific birth records in the state of Texas. The proposed legislation amends Section 191.0045 of the Health and Safety Code to impose a $2 fee for issuing a certified copy of a birth certificate, a wallet-sized certification, and for conducting a search for a birth certificate. The fees collected are to be sent to the comptroller and deposited into the child abuse and neglect prevention trust fund. This bill aims to generate additional funding for programs specifically designed to prevent child abuse and neglect within the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 2464 appears to be positive, with a general consensus on the necessity of funding child abuse prevention programs. Supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of addressing child welfare issues and believe that the introduction of these fees is a practical step toward increasing resources. There may, however, be concerns from some constituents about additional fees imposed on vital records and how this could affect access to such documents.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve funding for child protection programs, there could be points of contention regarding the imposition of new fees for birth certificates. Some may argue that adding fees could disproportionately affect lower-income families who may struggle to pay for essential documents. Furthermore, the necessity and efficiency of allocating the additional funds generated to the intended programs will likely be scrutinized, as stakeholders will want to ensure that increased revenue translates into tangible benefits for at-risk children.