HBA-AMW H.B. 2610 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2610 By: Bonnen Juvenile Justice & Family Issues 7/20/2001 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prior to the 77th Legislature, the language used within the Penal Code pertaining to criminal penalties for nonsupport of a child was not gender-neutral and might have been interpreted as being biased against a father. House Bill 2610 replaces masculine terminology in certain provisions relating to child support with gender-neutral terminology. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 2610 amends the Penal Code to replace masculine terminology in provisions relating to criminal nonsupport of a child with gender-neutral terminology. EFFECTIVE DATE May 25, 2001.