CJ H.B. 2531 75(R)B I L L    A N A L Y S I S 


JUVENILE JUSTICE & FAMILY ISSUES
H.B. 2531
By: Gutierrez
4-10-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Chapter 41 of the Family Code makes parents liable for actually damages
caused by the child in certain cases, up to the amount of $15,000.  This
amount was enacted into law over twenty years ago and does not figure in
the current price index. 

PURPOSE 

If enacted, this bill will raise the amount of recovery of damage to
$25,000 per act. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS 

SECTION 1.  Recovery for damage is not to exceed $25,000 per act, plus
court costs and attorney's fees. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date, September 1, 1997, and applies only to an
action that happens on or after the effective date.  Actions occurring
before the effective date are governed by the law in effect at that time. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency Clause



CJ H.B. 2531 75(R)