SRC-SLL H.B. 115 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 115
By: Tillery (Shapiro)
Criminal Justice
4-22-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the only enforcement measure for the failure of the parent,
managing conservator, or guardian to appear with the child in response to
a summons is limited to a contempt proceeding. This bill will provide that
a parent, managing conservator, or guardian who fails to attend a hearing
after receiving a summons to appear with a child commits a Class C
misdemeanor. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 115 provides that a parent, managing conservator, or
guardian who fails to attend a hearing after receiving a summons to appear
with a child commits a Class C misdemeanor. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 54.022, Family Code, by amending Subsections (e)
and (g), and adding Subsection (h), to require a summons to include a
warning that the failure of the parent, managing conservator, or guardian
to appear at a hearing with a child may be punishable as a Class C
misdemeanor.  Provides that a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the
person is a parent, managing conservator, or guardian who fails to attend
a hearing under this section after receiving an order under Subsection
(e).  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.