SRC-LBB S.B. 1691 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1691
78R7720 JMM-FBy: Gallegos
Jurisprudence
3/28/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are three methods for determining confidentiality of
paternity suits.  As a result, district clerk personnel have to determine
which files to allow the public to view.  As proposed, S.B. 1691 mandates
that only the final order in a paternity suit is available for review by
the public. 

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 Section 160.633, Family Code, as follows:

Sec.  160.633.  New heading:  FINAL ORDER AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
Deletes former Subsection (a) authorizing a court to order a proceeding
under this subchapter closed to the public and a portion of Subsection (b)
providing that certain documents are to be made available only with the
consent of the parties or on order of the court. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 231.108, Family Code, by adding Subsection (g)
to provide that the final order in a suit adjudicating parentage is
available for public inspection as provided by Section 160.633. 

SECTION 3.  (a)  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.

  (b)  Makes application of this Act retroactive.