Texas House Bill HB3597

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the duty of a parent appointed as a conservator of a child to inform the child's other conservator of certain medical emergencies involving the child.

Impact

The amendments proposed by HB3597 aim to ensure that both conservators are equally informed about serious medical issues concerning their child, thus enhancing transparency and cooperation in parental duties. By establishing a clearer legal obligation for notification, this bill is likely to influence the dynamics of conservatorship as it pertains to emergency medical decisions. It provides a framework intended to protect the child's welfare while promoting shared responsibility among parents.

Summary

House Bill 3597 seeks to amend the Family Code by establishing a specific duty for parents appointed as conservators of a child. The bill mandates that if one conservator is made aware of a child's critical or terminal illness or decides to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment, they must inform the other conservator. This notification must occur within one hour of receiving such information, providing the other conservator an opportunity to visit the child without interference for at least one hour. This legislative effort underscores the significance of communication between custodial and non-custodial parents during crucial medical situations affecting their child.

Contention

While the bill seems well-intentioned, there may be points of contention regarding how effectively it can enforce parental communication. Critics might argue that the one-hour notification window could be too short, potentially complicating situations where a conservator may be unable to provide timely notice due to various circumstances. Additionally, the provision allowing the informed conservator to visit the child without interference could raise concerns about the practicality and emotional impact on family dynamics, particularly if previous conflicts exist between the conservators.