Texas House Bill HJR54

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/22/22

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring payment of child support to be eligible to hold certain public elective offices.

Impact

If passed, HJR54 would amend the Texas Constitution by adding eligibility criteria for public officeholders related to child support payments. This change would likely impact various public offices, pushing candidates to meet not only traditional voter registration and residency requirements but also to demonstrate fiscal responsibility to their children. The legislative discussions surrounding this bill indicate that it is part of a broader effort to ensure integrity and accountability among elected officials in Texas, which proponents argue is crucial for public trust and social responsibility.

Summary

HJR54 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring individuals to have paid all due child support in order to be eligible for certain public elective offices in Texas, including positions such as Senator, Representative, and Governor. This amendment aims to strengthen the responsibility of public officeholders and ensure that elected officials fulfill their obligations to children. The amendment specifies exceptions for individuals who are currently making payments under a plan or contesting their obligations, thereby providing some flexibility in the requirements.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HJR54 appears to be generally supportive among its proponents, who view the requirement as a necessary measure to ensure that public officials prioritize their familial responsibilities. However, there may be a counter sentiment among those who believe that while child support compliance is important, it could disproportionately affect candidates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Critics may argue that it adds an additional barrier to running for office, which could stifle diversity in representation.

Contention

A point of contention in the discussions refers to the implications of enforcing such a requirement, particularly regarding the handling of contested payments and the process of verifying compliance. Some legislators raised concerns about potential inequities in how the law would impact candidates, especially those facing legal disputes over child support. The requirement has also sparked dialogue on broader issues of parental responsibility, public trust, and the role of elected officials in representing their constituents while managing personal obligations.