SRC-VRA H.B. 374 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 374
78R7886 KSD-DBy: Dutton (Van de Putte)
Jurisprudence
5/16/2003
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law provides that a parent of a child has the right and a
duty to care, control, protect, and  reasonably discipline a child.
However, when a parent disciplines a minor child with the use of corporal
punishment, or "spanking," the parent may be confronted with confusion as
to any possible criminal charges that may arise from the use of such
punishment. H.B. 374 provides that a parent or a person having a duty to
control and reasonably discipline a child may use corporal punishment for
the reasonable discipline of the child. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 151.001, Family Code by adding Subsection (e)
to authorize a parent of a child or other person who has the duty of
control and reasonable discipline of the child to use corporal punishment
for the reasonable discipline of the child. 

SECTION 2.   Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.