Texas Senate Bill SB818

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement that a parent appointed as a conservator of a child disclose certain information regarding family violence; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The impact of SB818 on state law is significant as it introduces new obligations for conservators under the Texas Family Code. By elucidating the duties of conservators, the bill seeks to create safer environments for children who might be at risk due to family violence. Noncompliance with these requirements is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which introduces legal consequences for conservators who fail to provide the necessary notifications about protective orders. This change reinforces the state's commitment to preventing further harm to children in potentially volatile family situations.

Summary

SB818 addresses critical family safety issues by mandating that parents appointed as conservators of a child must disclose specific information regarding family violence. The bill establishes clear guidelines directing conservators to inform the other conservator if they live with or allow unsupervised access to their child by someone who is subject to a final protective order. This requirement aims to enhance child safety by ensuring that caregivers are transparent about potential dangers related to family violence situations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB818 appears to be largely supportive, emphasizing the importance of protecting children and providing clear communication among conservators regarding safety risks. Advocates for the bill believe it addresses a vital gap in current family law by ensuring that critical information about potential threats is shared promptly. This proactive measure is intended to prevent exposure to harm and foster a cooperative environment in conservatorship situations.

Contention

While proponents of SB818 argue for its necessity in safeguarding children, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and the implications it has for custodial arrangements in cases of family conflict. There is a potential contention regarding how such disclosures could affect existing conservatorship dynamics, especially in high-conflict family situations. Nonetheless, the bill's intent to create safer living conditions for children amidst issues of family violence stands central to its advocacy.