Relating to the requirement that a parent appointed as a conservator of a child disclose certain information regarding family violence.
Impact
The proposed legislation aims to enhance the safety of children in custody arrangements by ensuring that conservators communicate essential information about potential risks associated with new partners. By mandating the disclosure of living conditions and relationships involving individuals with a history of family violence or offenses, HB1470 seeks to strengthen protective measures within child custody settings. This could have significant implications for family law practices, effectively altering how conservators fulfill their responsibilities in ensuring a safe environment for their children.
Summary
House Bill 1470 addresses the requirements imposed on parents appointed as conservators of a child regarding the disclosure of critical information in situations involving family violence. The bill amends Section 153.076(b) of the Texas Family Code, which pertains to the obligations of conservators to inform each other about their living arrangements with individuals who have specific legal backgrounds. These include living with or marrying individuals who are registered sex offenders, those charged with offenses requiring registration, or those involved in protective orders due to family violence incidents.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding privacy concerns and the potential stigma against individuals who have been charged with offenses related to family violence or are registered as sex offenders. While proponents of the bill argue that it is crucial for safeguarding children, opponents might contend that the bill could unjustly penalize individuals who have reformed or are innocent until proven guilty. As such, balancing the safety of the child with the rights of individuals who may come into contact with conservators will likely be a key discussion point during the legislative process.
Identical
Relating to the requirement that a parent appointed as a conservator of a child disclose certain information regarding family violence; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to orders providing for the conservatorship of or possession of and access to a child by the child's parents in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations by the Department of Family and Protective Services, and parental child safety placements.
Relating to the appointment of the Department of Family and Protective Services and a child's parent or legal guardian as joint managing conservators for the child.
Relating to the definition of child neglect and to the appointment of the Department of Family and Protective Services and a child's parent or legal guardian as joint managing conservators of the child.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.
Relating to the rights and duties of each parent that must be specified in certain agreed parenting plans and orders for the joint managing conservatorship of a child.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.