SRC-BWC S.B. 236 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 236
77R2999 DLF-DBy: Harris
Jurisprudence
1/22/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the court is required to enter an order for the medical support
of a child.  Chapter 154 of the Family Code provides the option of the
Texas Healthy Kids Corporation as a potential source of health insurance
coverage, but it does not mention the Children's Health Insurance Program
(CHIP) as a coverage option.  As proposed, S.B. 236 authorizes the use of
any potential health insurance product, including CHIP, to be considered in
meeting the medical support requirement under the child support system. 

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 154.182(b) and (c), Family Code, by authorizing
an obligor whose employer, union, trade association, or other organization
that does not offer a child/children coverage option in lieu of a spouse/
child/ children option of health insurance coverage to elect to apply for
coverage through any individual or group health insurance plan, rather than
the Texas Healthy Kids Corporation.  Deletes text regarding coverage
through the Texas Healthy Kids Corporation.  Makes conforming changes. 

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