SRC-SLL H.B. 2227 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2227
By: McReynolds (Harris)
Jurisprudence
5-7-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

One of the difficult problems facing non-custodial parents is the denial
of court-ordered possession or access to their children.  It is not
uncommon for the custodial parent to deny visitation rights as a powerful
weapon against the non-custodial parent.  This bill will authorize
additional periods of possession or access to a child in order to
compensate for the denial of court-ordered possession or access. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2227 authorizes additional periods of possession or
access to a child in order to compensate for the denial of court-ordered
possession or access. 

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 157.168, Family Code, to provide that the
additional periods of possession of or access to a child must be of the
same type and duration of the possession or access that was denied; may
include weekend, holiday, and summer possession or access; and must occur
on or before the first anniversary of the date the court finds that
court-ordered possession or access has been denied.  Provides that the
person denied possession or access is entitled to decide the time of the
additional possession or access, subject to the provisions of Subsection
(a)(1). 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.