SRC-JBJ H.B. 2621 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2621
77R7890 JMG-DBy: Bonnen (Brown)
Jurisprudence
4/25/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the terminology used within the Penal Code pertaining to
criminal penalties for interference with child custody is not
gender-neutral and may be interpreted as being biased against a father.
H.B. 2621 replaces masculine pronouns in certain provisions relating to
child custody 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 25.03(a) and (b), Penal Code, to provide that a
person commits an offense if the person, rather than he, takes or retains a
child younger than 18 years under certain conditions.  Provides that a
noncustodial parent commits an offense if, with a certain intent, the
noncustodial parent, rather than he, knowingly entices or persuades the
child to leave the custody of the custodial parent, guardian, or person
standing in the stead of the custodial parent or guardian of the child. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.