SRC-SLL H.B. 2155 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2155
By: Solis (Harris)
Jurisprudence
5-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The denial of visitation rights is a common problem.  For many parents
with limited resources, attorney's fees and court costs prohibit these
parents from seeking contempt actions for visitation denials enabling them
to enforce visitation orders.  This bill will provide regulations
regarding the enforcement of possession orders by the Title IV-D agency of
the Office of the Attorney General. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2155 provides regulations regarding the enforcement of
possession orders by the Title IV-D agency. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Requires the Title IV-D agency of the Office of the Attorney
General (agency) to develop a plan to establish a pilot project to support
and facilitate noncustodial parents' access to and visitation with their
children through activities including voluntary and mandatory mediation,
counseling, education, development of parenting plans, and enforcement of
possession orders issued under Chapter 153, Family Code.  Requires the
agency to submit a report on the plan to the governor, lieutenant
governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives on or before
January 15, 1998. 

SECTION 2. Requires the agency to seek available federal funding for the
implementation and support of the pilot project authorized by this Act. 

SECTION 3. Defines "Title IV-D agency."

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.