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.