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.