Texas Senate Bill SB267

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain rights of the sole managing conservator of a child in relation to the child's passport.

Impact

The impact of SB267 is significant for managing conservators as it clarifies and strengthens their legal authority regarding international travel for minors. By formalizing these rights, the bill seeks to protect the interests of children in custody situations where immigration or international travel may be relevant. This change reflects a growing recognition of the necessity for clear guidelines in family law, facilitating smoother parental or guardian access to travel documents and potentially reducing disputes in custody scenarios.

Summary

SB267 aims to modify the Family Code to enhance the rights of the sole managing conservator of a child, particularly concerning the child's passport. The bill grants the conservator the explicit rights to apply for, renew, and maintain possession of the child's passport. This addition intends to streamline the process for managing conservators, particularly single parents or guardians who previously may have faced bureaucratic challenges in obtaining travel documents for children.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward in elevating the rights of managing conservators, it may introduce points of contention concerning how these rights interact with existing custody agreements or court orders. Critics may argue that without proper checks and balances, this could exacerbate conflicts between parents or guardians, especially in high-conflict custody cases. The amendments proposed indicate a shift toward prioritizing the autonomy of managing conservators, which may also invite scrutiny over how well this aligns with the best interests of the child in various custody contexts.