Texas House Bill HB558

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to court-ordered support for a child with a disability.

Impact

The enactment of HB 558 represents a significant change in the way child support for adults with disabilities is handled legally. It establishes a new framework within the Family Code that acknowledges the unique financial needs of adults with disabilities, while also providing them with a layer of protection through the use of special needs trusts. This change is likely to lead to improved financial security for individuals with disabilities by minimizing the risk of losing benefits they rely on due to income from support payments.

Summary

House Bill 558 addresses the issue of court-ordered support specifically for adult children with disabilities. The bill amends the Family Code by allowing courts to direct support payments to a designated special needs trust that benefits the adult child. This provision ensures that the support payments are managed in a manner that prioritizes the needs of the individual with a disability, facilitating better financial management and protection of the assets intended for them.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 558 is predominantly positive. Lawmakers and advocates for individuals with disabilities generally support the bill, viewing it as a beneficial step toward enhancing the financial stability of vulnerable populations. The bill passed with unanimous support in both the House and Senate, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on the importance of ensuring that proper support mechanisms are in place for adults with disabilities.

Contention

While HB 558 received widespread approval, there are potential points of contention regarding its implementation, particularly concerning how special needs trusts are structured and managed. Questions may arise regarding the oversight of these trusts to ensure funds are used appropriately for the benefit of the individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the bill's reference to a 'material and substantial change of circumstances' for modifying court orders may also raise discussions about how these determinations are made and who has input in such processes.