Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction on SB 891.
The resolution proposed to increase the annual service fee that the Title IV-D agency could charge from $25 to $35, along with the allowance for the agency to charge reasonable application fees. This change represents an adjustment in state law that impacts financial obligations related to child support services. The increase is intended to ensure that the Title IV-D agency can cover the costs of the services it provides, positioning it to respond efficiently to the needs of families receiving these services.
Senate Resolution 838 (SR838) was introduced in the Texas Senate during the 86th Legislative Regular Session in 2019, aiming to suspend limitations on conference committee jurisdiction specifically in relation to Senate Bill 891. This resolution was critical in allowing the conference committee to amend the Family Code, which governs various aspects of family law within Texas. By enabling this amendment, SR838 facilitated an increase in fees charged by the Title IV-D agency, which oversees child support enforcement and related services in the state.
The sentiment surrounding SR838 appears to have been largely positive among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous vote of 31 to 0 in favor of the resolution when it was adopted. The measure was seen as necessary to enhance the operational capabilities of the Title IV-D agency, though the bill may also have sparked discussions about the financial impact on families utilizing these services. Overall, the response to the bill’s progression through the legislature highlighted an alignment on the importance of efficient child support enforcement mechanisms.
While SR838 was adopted without opposition, matters of increasing fees for government services can spark contention among community advocates and constituents. Notably, the specific increase in the Title IV-D annual service fee might evoke concerns regarding the financial burden placed on families reliant on these services. The discussions around the bill may also indicate broader themes regarding government agency funding and the adequacy of child support services in Texas. Nonetheless, no outspoken objections were recorded during the resolution's adoption process.