BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2399
By: Thompson
5-3-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, Section 152.1074 of the Human Resources Code states that
the Commissioners Court may create a child support department to
receive, disburse, and record payments of child and spousal
support.  The Commissioners Court appoints the director of the
department who serves at the pleasure of the Court.

In 1993, the Court decided to abolish the child support department
and transfer all of the duties it performed to the District Clerk
and the County Treasurer.  Subsequently, the County Attorney's
Office has advised the Commissioners Court that this action is out
of compliance with the state statue.

The Court is considering consolidating all of the child support
operations under the office of the District Clerk in order to more
efficiently and effectively manage child support payments.  

PURPOSE

This bill would give the Harris County Commissioners Court the
option of either forming a Child Support Department under their
jurisdiction (as in the current statute) or designating a  county
officer to perform these same functions. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

     Section 1 Amends Section 152.1074, Human Resources Code, as
follows:
     (a) This subsection is amended to allow the Harris County
Commissioners Court the option of either forming a Child Support
Department under their jurisdiction (as in the current statute) or
designating a  county officer to perform the enumerated functions.
     (c), (d), and (e) These subsections are amended to conform
with the change made in Subsection (a).
     (k) A new subsection (k) is added which makes provisions for
the powers and duties of the officer designated to create a child
support office.



     Section 2. Emergency Clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 2399 was considered by the County Affairs Committee in a public
hearing on 5/3/95. The following person testified in favor of HB
2399: Robert Eckels, representing himself and the Harris County
Commissioners Court. HB 2399 was reported favorably with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be placed on the
Local and Consent Calendar, by the record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays,
0 pnv, 3 absent.