78R3409 MCK-D

By:  Uresti                                                       H.B. No. 2482



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the requirement that the parties in a suit affecting the 
parent–child relationship attend parenting classes.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 105.009(a), Family Code, is amended to 
read as follows:  
	(a)  In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship [, 
including an action to modify an order in a suit affecting the 
parent-child relationship providing for possession of or access to 
a child,] the court shall [may] order the parties to the suit to 
attend a parent education and family stabilization course.  In an 
action to modify an order in a suit affecting the parent-child 
relationship providing for possession of or access to a child, the 
court may order the parties to the suit to attend a parent education 
and family stabilization course if the court determines that the 
order is in the best interest of the child.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003, and 
applies to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship or an 
action to modify an order in a suit affecting the parent-child 
relationship filed on or after that date.  A suit affecting the 
parent-child relationship or an action to modify an order in a suit 
affecting the parent-child relationship filed before the effective 
date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the 
suit or action to modify was filed, and the former law is continued 
in effect for that purpose.