Texas Senate Bill SB1218

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to filing requirements applicable to administrative writs of withholding for child support.

Impact

This bill is expected to have a significant impact on the efficiency of child support enforcement. By mandating that the Title IV-D agency file administrative writs of withholding within three business days, the legislation aims to reduce delays in the collection of child support. The changes are particularly relevant for counties with populations below a certain threshold, as they will retain records of writs until all support obligations are satisfied. This could lead to improved compliance and support for custodial parents relying on timely financial support.

Summary

SB1218 seeks to amend the Texas Family Code relating to the filing requirements for administrative writs of withholding for child support. It specifically changes the timeline in which the Title IV-D agency must file these writs with the court after they are delivered to an employer. The intent behind this legislative change is to streamline the process, ensuring that child support obligations are enforced more efficiently. The bill reflects an ongoing commitment to enhancing child support systems within the state.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on procedural amendments, there may be concerns regarding its implications for employers and how they handle administrative writs of withholding. Employers will need to ensure compliance with the new timeline, which could require additional training or updates to their payroll systems. Furthermore, the requirement for maintaining records in smaller counties raises questions about resource allocation and whether these counties have the mechanisms in place to efficiently manage such requirements.