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.