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.