SRC-BWC C.S.S.B. 236 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 236 77R2999 DLF-DBy: Harris Jurisprudence 2/12/2001 Committee Report (Substituted) 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 the court to order the obligee to apply for and provide health insurance for the child, if health insurance is not available for the child through the obligor's employment but is available for the child through the obligee's employment or membership in a union, trade association or other organization, or another source accessible to the obligee, including the Children's Health Insurance Program. Deletes text authorizing an obligor whose employer, union, trade association, or other organization that does not offer a child coverage option in lieu of a spouse/ child/ children option of health insurance coverage to elect to apply for coverage through the Texas Healthy Kids Corporation (THKC). Deletes text regarding an obligor required to pay additional child support to an obligee also applying for such coverage. Deletes text regarding the amount for additional medical child support. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. C.S.S.B. 236, Section 154.182(b) and (c), Family Code, differs from the original by: _deleting an exception; _adding "another source accessible to the obligee, including the Children's Health Insurance Program" and "apply for" when referring to where and how an obligee may obtain health insurance for a child; _deleting text regarding an obligor authorized to apply for coverage through the Texas Health Kids Corporation and one who is required to pay additional child support to an obligee for health insurance making similar application; and _deleting text regarding the amount for additional medical child support.