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.