SRC-BWC H.B. 2610 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2610 77R7889 JMG-DBy: Bonnen (Brown) Jurisprudence 4/26/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the language used within the Penal Code pertaining to criminal penalties for nonsupport of a child is not gender-neutral and may be interpreted as being biased against a father. As proposed, H.B. 2610 replaces masculine terminology in certain provisions relating to child support with gender-neutral terminology. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 25.05(a) and (d), Penal Code, to change a reference from "his" to "individual." Provides that it is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor could not provide support for the actor's, rather than his, child. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.