Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3121 by Bowers (Relating to ensuring the safety of children in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Family Code to require a court to hold an evidentiary hearing in every suit regarding conservatorship of a child involving an allegation or a history of family violence, sexual abuse, neglect, abuse, or emotional abuse.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
According to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the bill would increase the number of subpoenas received by the agency to produce records for use in each evidentiary hearing. Based on information provided by DFPS, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 530 Family and Protective Services, Department of