SRC-JFA H.B. 2005 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2005
By: Thompson (Duncan)
Jurisprudence
5-13-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Section 153.433, Family Code, states that a court may order
reasonable visitation rights to either maternal or paternal grandparents
of a child when the grandparent meets certain criteria, and access is in
the best interest of the child.  As the law is written, it is the option
of the court to grant such visitation rights.  The court's option to deny
such visitation rights may negatively affect the grandchild and
grandparent.  This bill would amend Section 153.433, Family Code, to
require the court to order reasonable visitation rights to either maternal
or paternal grandparents of a child when the grandparent meets certain
criteria, and access is in the best interest of the child.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2005 amends Section 153.433, Family Code, to require a
court to order reasonable visitation rights to either maternal or paternal
grandparents of a child when the grandparent meets certain criteria, and
access is in the best interest of the child.  

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 153.433, Family Code, to require, rather than
authorize, the court to order reasonable access to a grandchild by a
grandparent under certain conditions.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.