BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4240
87R10171 JSC-D	By: Raymond et al. (Zaffirini)
	State Affairs
	5/20/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Law enforcement sometimes has difficulty enforcing child custody arrangements, and stakeholders assert that an alternative enforcement mechanism may improve compliance with those arrangements. Accordingly, H.B. 4240 would amend the Family Code to authorize a municipality or county to adopt an ordinance or order that imposes a civil penalty of not more than $500 for engaging in conduct that constitutes an offense of interference with child custody.

H.B. 4240 amends current law relating to local regulation to enforce child custody orders and authorizes a civil penalty.

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 Chapter 157, Family Code, by adding Subchapter J, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER J. LOCAL REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 157.451. CIVIL PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE WITH CHILD CUSTODY ORDER. Authorizes a municipality or county in this state to adopt an ordinance or order that imposes a civil penalty of not more than $500 for engaging in conduct described by Section 25.03 (Interference with Child Custody), Penal Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.