88R2139 MLH-F By: Dutton H.B. No. 2581 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the allocation of child care expenses for a child subject to a child support order. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 154.008, Family Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 154.008. PROVISION FOR MEDICAL SUPPORT, [AND] DENTAL SUPPORT, AND CHILD CARE SUPPORT. (a) The court shall order medical support and dental support for the child as provided by Subchapters B and D. (b) If a party incurs child care expenses in order to seek or maintain gainful employment, or receive higher education or vocational training in anticipation of gainful employment, the court shall determine and allocate between the parties, according to the parties' circumstances, reasonable child care expenses. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act constitutes a material and substantial change of circumstances under Section 156.401, Family Code, sufficient to warrant modification of a court order or a portion of a decree that provides for the support of a child rendered before the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies only to a proceeding to establish or modify a child support obligation that is pending in a trial court on or filed on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.