79R7758 KKA-F

By:  Castro                                                       H.B. No. 3135



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the release of certain information held by the Title 
IV-D agency in connection with child support services provided by 
the agency.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 231.108, Family Code, is amended by 
amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (d-1) to 
read as follows:
	(a)  Except as otherwise provided by this section
[Subsection (c)], all files and records of services provided under 
this chapter, including information concerning a custodial parent, 
noncustodial parent, child, and an alleged or presumed father, are 
confidential.
	(b)  Except as otherwise provided by this section
[Subsection (c)], all communications made by a recipient of 
financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, or an 
applicant for or recipient of services under this chapter are 
privileged.
	(d-1)  Subject to Subsection (e), on written request by a 
person appointed as a conservator of a child, the Title IV-D agency 
shall release to that person any information from the agency's 
files and records regarding the home address and place of 
employment of each conservator of the child.  This subsection does 
not require the release of information if prohibited by a court 
order rendered in accordance with Section 105.006(c).
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.