Texas House Bill HB1671

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 12/18/24

Caption

Relating to the establishment of parentage and the duty to pay retroactive child support, including the duty to pay retroactive child support beginning on the date of the child's conception.

Impact

The amendments proposed in the Family Code would potentially streamline the legal processes surrounding parentage and financial obligations. By allowing courts to retroactively order support from the time of conception, the bill intends to provide more support for children and ensure that parental responsibilities are established early on. Proponents of the bill suggest that this timely approach to support could significantly benefit the financial stability of families and promote accountability among parents.

Summary

House Bill 1671 focuses on the establishment of parentage and the provisions surrounding retroactive child support obligations. One of the key components of the bill is the stipulation that retroactive child support may commence from the date of the child's conception. This introduction aims to provide a more structured approach to determining support obligations, ensuring that payments do not start solely from the child's birth but recognize the financial responsibilities incurred even before birth.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1671 include concerns about the implications for parents who may be unaware of their potential obligations prior to the child's birth. Critics may argue that retroactive support could be financially burdensome and disproportionately affect certain groups. Additionally, the proposed amendments regarding genetic testing and parentage determination raise questions about privacy and the circumstances under which such testing should be mandated. These issues may lead to debates about the fairness of the obligations imposed on potential parents and the administrative challenges involved in proving parentage before childbirth.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 154. Child Support
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 160. Uniform Parentage Act
  • Section: 304
  • Section: 502
  • Section: 506
  • Section: 611
  • Section: 636