S.B. No. 550
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to requiring dental support for a child subject to a child
  support order.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 54.06(e), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (e)  The court shall apply the child support guidelines under
  Subchapter C, Chapter 154, in an order requiring the payment of
  child support under this section. The court shall also require in
  an order to pay child support under this section that health
  insurance and dental insurance be provided for the child.
  Subchapter D, Chapter 154, applies to an order requiring health
  insurance and dental insurance for a child under this section.
         SECTION 2.  Section 101.006, Family Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 101.006.  CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES. "Child support
  services" means administrative or court actions to:
               (1)  establish paternity;
               (2)  establish, modify, or enforce child support, [or]
  medical support, or dental support obligations;
               (3)  locate absent parents; or
               (4)  cooperate with other states in these actions and
  any other action authorized or required under Part D of Title IV of
  the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.) or
  Chapter 231.
         SECTION 3.  Chapter 101, Family Code, is amended by adding
  Sections 101.0094 and 101.0095 to read as follows:
         Sec. 101.0094.  DENTAL INSURANCE. "Dental insurance" means
  insurance coverage that provides preventive dental care and other
  dental services, including usual dentist services, office visits,
  examinations, X-rays, and emergency services, that may be provided
  through a single service health maintenance organization or other
  private or public organization.
         Sec. 101.0095.  DENTAL SUPPORT. "Dental support" means
  periodic payments or a lump-sum payment made under an order to cover
  dental expenses, including dental insurance coverage, incurred for
  the benefit of a child.
         SECTION 4.  Section 101.012, Family Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 101.012.  EMPLOYER. "Employer" means a person,
  corporation, partnership, workers' compensation insurance carrier,
  governmental entity, the United States, or any other entity that
  pays or owes earnings to an individual. The term includes, for the
  purposes of enrolling dependents in a group health or dental
  insurance plan, a union, trade association, or other similar
  organization.
         SECTION 5.  Section 101.024(b), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  For purposes of establishing, determining the terms of,
  modifying, or enforcing an order, a reference in this title to a
  parent includes a person ordered to pay child support under Section
  154.001(a-1) or to provide medical support or dental support for a
  child.
         SECTION 6.  Section 101.034, Family Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 101.034.  TITLE IV-D CASE.  "Title IV-D case" means an
  action in which services are provided by the Title IV-D agency under
  Part D, Title IV, of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
  Section 651 et seq.), relating to the location of an absent parent,
  determination of parentage, or establishment, modification, or
  enforcement of a child support, [or] medical support, or dental
  support obligation.
         SECTION 7.  Section 153.611, Family Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 153.611.  EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN TITLE IV-D PROCEEDINGS.  
  Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, this
  subchapter does not apply to a proceeding in a Title IV-D case
  relating to the determination of parentage or establishment,
  modification, or enforcement of a child support, [or] medical
  support, or dental support obligation.
         SECTION 8.  Section 154.008, Family Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 154.008.  PROVISION FOR MEDICAL SUPPORT AND DENTAL
  SUPPORT. The court shall order medical support and dental support
  for the child as provided by Subchapters B and D.
         SECTION 9.  Section 154.015(c), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (c)  For purposes of this section, the court of continuing
  jurisdiction shall determine the amount of the unpaid child support
  obligation for each child of the deceased obligor.  In determining
  the amount of the unpaid child support obligation, the court shall
  consider all relevant factors, including:
               (1)  the present value of the total amount of monthly
  periodic child support payments that would become due between the
  month in which the obligor dies and the month in which the child
  turns 18 years of age, based on the amount of the periodic monthly
  child support payments under the child support order in effect on
  the date of the obligor's death;
               (2)  the present value of the total amount of health
  insurance and dental insurance premiums payable for the benefit of
  the child from the month in which the obligor dies until the month
  in which the child turns 18 years of age, based on the cost of health
  insurance and dental insurance for the child ordered to be paid on
  the date of the obligor's death;
               (3)  in the case of a disabled child under 18 years of
  age or an adult disabled child, an amount to be determined by the
  court under Section 154.306;
               (4)  the nature and amount of any benefit to which the
  child would be entitled as a result of the obligor's death,
  including life insurance proceeds, annuity payments, trust
  distributions, social security death benefits, and retirement
  survivor benefits; and
               (5)  any other financial resource available for the
  support of the child.
         SECTION 10.  Section 154.016(b), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  In determining the nature and extent of the obligation
  to provide for the support of the child in the event of the death of
  the obligor, the court shall consider all relevant factors,
  including:
               (1)  the present value of the total amount of monthly
  periodic child support payments from the date the child support
  order is rendered until the month in which the child turns 18 years
  of age, based on the amount of the periodic monthly child support
  payment under the child support order;
               (2)  the present value of the total amount of health
  insurance and dental insurance premiums payable for the benefit of
  the child from the date the child support order is rendered until
  the month in which the child turns 18 years of age, based on the cost
  of health insurance and dental insurance for the child ordered to be
  paid; and
               (3)  in the case of a disabled child under 18 years of
  age or an adult disabled child, an amount to be determined by the
  court under Section 154.306.
         SECTION 11.  Sections 154.062(d) and (e), Family Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The court shall deduct the following items from
  resources to determine the net resources available for child
  support:
               (1)  social security taxes;
               (2)  federal income tax based on the tax rate for a
  single person claiming one personal exemption and the standard
  deduction;
               (3)  state income tax;
               (4)  union dues;
               (5)  expenses for the cost of health insurance, dental
  insurance, or cash medical support for the obligor's child ordered
  by the court under Sections [Section] 154.182 and 154.1825; and
               (6)  if the obligor does not pay social security taxes,
  nondiscretionary retirement plan contributions.
         (e)  In calculating the amount of the deduction for health
  care or dental coverage for a child under Subsection (d)(5), if the
  obligor has other minor dependents covered under the same health or
  dental insurance plan, the court shall divide the total cost to the
  obligor for the insurance by the total number of minor dependents,
  including the child, covered under the plan.
         SECTION 12.  Section 154.064, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.064.  MEDICAL SUPPORT AND DENTAL SUPPORT FOR CHILD
  PRESUMPTIVELY PROVIDED BY OBLIGOR.  The guidelines for support of a
  child are based on the assumption that the court will order the
  obligor to provide medical support and dental support for the child
  in addition to the amount of child support calculated in accordance
  with those guidelines.
         SECTION 13.  The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 154,
  Family Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D.  MEDICAL SUPPORT AND DENTAL SUPPORT FOR CHILD
         SECTION 14.  Subchapter D, Chapter 154, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 154.1815 to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.1815.  DENTAL SUPPORT ORDER. (a)  In this section,
  "reasonable cost" means the cost of a dental insurance premium that
  does not exceed 1.5 percent of the obligor's annual resources, as
  described by Section 154.062(b), if the obligor is responsible
  under a dental support order for the cost of dental insurance
  coverage for only one child.  If the obligor is responsible under a
  dental support order for the cost of dental insurance coverage for
  more than one child, "reasonable cost" means the total cost of
  dental insurance coverage for all children for which the obligor is
  responsible under a dental support order that does not exceed 1.5
  percent of the obligor's annual resources, as described by Section
  154.062(b).
         (b)  In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship or in
  a proceeding under Chapter 159, the court shall render an order for
  the dental support of the child as provided by this section and
  Section 154.1825.
         (c)  Before a hearing on temporary orders, or a final order
  if no hearing on temporary orders is held, the court shall require
  the parties to the proceedings to disclose in a pleading or other
  document whether the child is covered by dental insurance and, if
  the child is covered, the identity of the insurer providing the
  coverage, the policy number, which parent is responsible for
  payment of any insurance premium for the coverage, whether the
  coverage is provided through a parent's employment, and the cost of
  the premium. If dental insurance is not in effect for the child,
  the parties must disclose to the court whether either parent has
  access to dental insurance at a reasonable cost to the obligor.
         (d)  In rendering temporary orders, the court shall, except
  for good cause shown, order that any dental insurance coverage in
  effect for the child continue in effect pending the rendition of a
  final order, except that the court may not require the continuation
  of any dental insurance that is not available to the parent at a
  reasonable cost to the obligor. If dental insurance coverage is not
  in effect for the child or if the insurance in effect is not
  available at a reasonable cost to the obligor, the court shall,
  except for good cause shown, order dental insurance coverage for
  the child as provided by Section 154.1825.
         (e)  On rendering a final order the court shall:
               (1)  make specific findings with respect to the manner
  in which dental insurance coverage is to be provided for the child,
  in accordance with the priorities identified under Section
  154.1825; and
               (2)  except for good cause shown or on agreement of the
  parties, require the parent ordered to provide dental insurance
  coverage for the child as provided by Section 154.1825 to produce
  evidence to the court's satisfaction that the parent has applied
  for or secured dental insurance or has otherwise taken necessary
  action to provide for dental insurance coverage for the child, as
  ordered by the court.
         SECTION 15.  Subchapter D, Chapter 154, Family Code, is
  amended by adding Section 154.1825 to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.1825.  DENTAL CARE COVERAGE FOR CHILD. (a)  In
  this section:
               (1)  "Accessibility" means the extent to which dental
  insurance coverage for a child provides for the availability of
  dental care within a reasonable traveling distance and time from
  the child's primary residence, as determined by the court.
               (2)  "Reasonable cost" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 154.1815(a).
         (b)  The court shall consider the cost, accessibility, and
  quality of dental insurance coverage available to the parties and
  shall give priority to dental insurance coverage available through
  the employment of one of the parties if the coverage is available at
  a reasonable cost to the obligor.
         (c)  In determining the manner in which dental care coverage
  for the child is to be ordered, the court shall render its order in
  accordance with the following priorities, unless a party shows good
  cause why a particular order is not in the best interest of the
  child:
               (1)  if dental insurance is available for the child
  through a parent's employment or membership in a union, trade
  association, or other organization at reasonable cost, the court
  shall order that parent to include the child in the parent's dental
  insurance; or
               (2)  if dental insurance is not available for the child
  under Subdivision (1) but is available to a parent from another
  source and at a reasonable cost, the court may order that parent to
  provide dental insurance for the child.
         (d)  If the parent ordered to provide dental insurance under
  Subsection (c)(1) or (2) is the obligee, the court shall order the
  obligor to pay the obligee, as additional child support, an amount
  equal to the actual cost of dental insurance for the child, but not
  to exceed a reasonable cost to the obligor.  In calculating the
  actual cost of dental insurance for the child, if the obligee has
  other minor dependents covered under the same dental insurance
  plan, the court shall divide the total cost to the obligee for the
  insurance by the total number of minor dependents, including the
  child covered under the plan.
         SECTION 16.  Section 154.183, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.183.  MEDICAL AND DENTAL SUPPORT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
  DUTY OF OBLIGOR.  (a)  An amount that an obligor is ordered to pay
  as medical support or dental support for the child under this
  chapter, including the costs of health insurance coverage or cash
  medical support under Section 154.182 and the costs of dental
  insurance under Section 154.1825:
               (1)  is in addition to the amount that the obligor is
  required to pay for child support under the guidelines for child
  support;
               (2)  is a child support obligation; and
               (3)  may be enforced by any means available for the
  enforcement of child support, including withholding from earnings
  under Chapter 158.
         (b)  If the court finds and states in the child support order
  that the obligee will maintain health insurance coverage, dental
  insurance coverage, or both, for the child at the obligee's
  expense, the court shall increase the amount of child support to be
  paid by the obligor in an amount not exceeding the actual cost to
  the obligee for maintaining the [health insurance] coverage, as
  provided under Sections [Section] 154.182(b-1) and 154.1825(d).
         (c)  As additional child support, the court shall allocate
  between the parties, according to their circumstances:
               (1)  the reasonable and necessary health care expenses,
  including vision and dental expenses, of the child that are not
  reimbursed by health or dental insurance or are not otherwise
  covered by the amount of cash medical support ordered under Section
  154.182 [154.182(b)(3)]; and
               (2)  amounts paid by either party as deductibles or
  copayments in obtaining health care or dental care services for the
  child covered under a health insurance or dental insurance policy.
         SECTION 17.  Sections 154.184(a) and (b), Family Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Receipt of a medical support order requiring that health
  insurance be provided for a child or a dental support order
  requiring that dental insurance be provided for a child shall be
  considered a change in the family circumstances of the employee or
  member, for health insurance purposes and dental insurance
  purposes, equivalent to the birth or adoption of a child.
         (b)  If the employee or member is eligible for dependent
  health coverage or dependent dental coverage, the employer shall
  automatically enroll the child for the first 31 days after the
  receipt of the order or notice of the medical support order or the
  dental support order under Section 154.186 on the same terms and
  conditions as apply to any other dependent child.
         SECTION 18.  Section 154.185, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.185.  PARENT TO FURNISH INFORMATION. (a)  The
  court shall order a parent providing health insurance or dental
  insurance to furnish to either the obligee, obligor, or child
  support agency the following information not later than the 30th
  day after the date the notice of rendition of the order is received:
               (1)  the social security number of the parent;
               (2)  the name and address of the parent's employer;
               (3)  with regard to health insurance:
                     (A)  whether the employer is self-insured or has
  health insurance available;
                     (B) [(4)]  proof that health insurance has been
  provided for the child;
                     (C) [(5)]  if the employer has health insurance
  available, the name of the health insurance carrier, the number of
  the policy, a copy of the policy and schedule of benefits, a health
  insurance membership card, claim forms, and any other information
  necessary to submit a claim; and
                     (D) [(6)]  if the employer is self-insured, a copy
  of the schedule of benefits, a membership card, claim forms, and any
  other information necessary to submit a claim; and
               (4)  with regard to dental insurance:
                     (A)  whether the employer is self-insured or has
  dental insurance available;
                     (B)  proof that dental insurance has been provided
  for the child;
                     (C)  if the employer has dental insurance
  available, the name of the dental insurance carrier, the number of
  the policy, a copy of the policy and schedule of benefits, a dental
  insurance membership card, claim forms, and any other information
  necessary to submit a claim; and
                     (D)  if the employer is self-insured, a copy of
  the schedule of benefits, a membership card, claim forms, and any
  other information necessary to submit a claim.
         (b)  The court shall also order a parent providing health
  insurance or dental insurance to furnish the obligor, obligee, or
  child support agency with additional information regarding the
  health insurance coverage or dental insurance coverage not later
  than the 15th day after the date the information is received by the
  parent.
         SECTION 19.  The heading to Section 154.186, Family Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.186.  NOTICE TO EMPLOYER CONCERNING MEDICAL SUPPORT
  OR DENTAL SUPPORT.  
         SECTION 20.  Section 154.186(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The obligee, obligor, or a child support agency of this
  state or another state may send to the employer a copy of the order
  requiring an employee to provide health insurance coverage or
  dental insurance coverage for a child or may include notice of the
  medical support order or dental support order in an order or writ of
  withholding sent to the employer in accordance with Chapter 158.
         SECTION 21.  Sections 154.187(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and
  (g), Family Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  An order or notice under this subchapter to an employer
  directing that health insurance coverage or dental insurance
  coverage be provided to a child of an employee or member is binding
  on a current or subsequent employer on receipt without regard to the
  date the order was rendered. If the employee or member is eligible
  for dependent health coverage or dental coverage for the child, the
  employer shall immediately enroll the child in a health insurance
  plan or dental insurance plan regardless of whether the employee is
  enrolled in the plan. If dependent coverage is not available to the
  employee or member through the employer's health insurance plan or
  dental insurance plan or enrollment cannot be made permanent or if
  the employer is not responsible or otherwise liable for providing
  such coverage, the employer shall provide notice to the sender in
  accordance with Subsection (c).
         (b)  If additional premiums are incurred as a result of
  adding the child to the health insurance plan or the dental
  insurance plan, the employer shall deduct the health insurance
  premium or the dental insurance premium from the earnings of the
  employee in accordance with Chapter 158 and apply the amount
  withheld to payment of the insurance premium.
         (c)  An employer who has received an order or notice under
  this subchapter shall provide to the sender, by first class mail not
  later than the 40th day after the date the employer receives the
  order or notice, a statement that the child:
               (1)  has been enrolled in the employer's health
  insurance plan or dental insurance plan, or is already enrolled in
  another health insurance plan or dental insurance plan in
  accordance with a previous child support, [or] medical support, or
  dental support order to which the employee is subject; or
               (2)  cannot be enrolled or cannot be enrolled
  permanently in the employer's health insurance plan or dental
  insurance plan and provide the reason why coverage or permanent
  coverage cannot be provided.
         (d)  If the employee ceases employment or if the health
  insurance coverage or dental insurance coverage lapses, the
  employer shall provide to the sender, by first class mail not later
  than the 15th day after the date of the termination of employment or
  the lapse of the coverage, notice of the termination or lapse and of
  the availability of any conversion privileges.
         (e)  On request, the employer shall release to the sender
  information concerning the available health insurance coverage or
  dental insurance coverage, including the name of the health
  insurance carrier or dental insurance carrier, the policy number, a
  copy of the policy and schedule of benefits, a health insurance or
  dental insurance membership card, and claim forms.
         (g)  An employer who fails to enroll a child, fails to
  withhold or remit premiums or cash medical support, or
  discriminates in hiring or employment on the basis of a medical
  support order or notice or a dental support order or notice under
  this subchapter shall be subject to the penalties and fines in
  Subchapter C, Chapter 158.
         SECTION 22.  Section 154.188, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.188.  FAILURE TO PROVIDE OR PAY FOR REQUIRED HEALTH
  INSURANCE OR DENTAL INSURANCE.  A parent ordered to provide health
  insurance or dental insurance or to pay the other parent additional
  child support for the cost of health insurance or dental insurance 
  who fails to do so is liable for:
               (1)  necessary medical expenses or dental expenses of
  the child, without regard to whether the expenses would have been
  paid if health insurance or dental insurance had been provided; and
               (2)  the cost of health insurance premiums, dental
  insurance premiums, or contributions, if any, paid on behalf of the
  child.
         SECTION 23.  Section 154.189, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.189.  NOTICE OF TERMINATION OR LAPSE OF INSURANCE
  COVERAGE. (a)  An obligor ordered to provide health insurance
  coverage or dental insurance coverage for a child must notify the
  obligee and any child support agency enforcing a support obligation
  against the obligor of the:
               (1)  termination or lapse of health insurance coverage
  or dental insurance coverage for the child not later than the 15th
  day after the date of a termination or lapse; and
               (2)  availability of additional health insurance or
  dental insurance to the obligor for the child after a termination or
  lapse of coverage not later than the 15th day after the date the
  insurance becomes available.
         (b)  If termination of coverage results from a change of
  employers, the obligor, the obligee, or the child support agency
  may send the new employer a copy of the order requiring the employee
  to provide health insurance or dental insurance for a child or
  notice of the medical support order or the dental support order as
  provided by this subchapter.
         SECTION 24.  Section 154.190, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.190.  REENROLLING CHILD FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE.
  After health insurance or dental insurance has been terminated or
  has lapsed, an obligor ordered to provide health insurance coverage
  or dental insurance coverage for the child must enroll the child in
  a health insurance plan or a dental insurance plan at the next
  available enrollment period.
         SECTION 25.  Section 154.191, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.191.  REMEDY NOT EXCLUSIVE. (a)  This subchapter
  does not limit the rights of the obligor, obligee, local domestic
  relations office, or Title IV-D agency to enforce, modify, or
  clarify the medical support order or dental support order.
         (b)  This subchapter does not limit the authority of the
  court to render or modify a medical support order or dental support
  order to provide for payment of uninsured health expenses, health
  care costs, [or] health insurance premiums, uninsured dental
  expenses, dental costs, or dental insurance premiums in a manner
  consistent with this subchapter.
         SECTION 26.  Section 154.192, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 154.192.  CANCELLATION OR ELIMINATION OF INSURANCE
  COVERAGE FOR CHILD. [(a)]  Unless the employee or member ceases to
  be eligible for dependent coverage, or the employer has eliminated
  dependent health coverage or dental coverage for all of the
  employer's employees or members, the employer may not cancel or
  eliminate coverage of a child enrolled under this subchapter until
  the employer is provided satisfactory written evidence that:
               (1)  the court order or administrative order requiring
  the coverage is no longer in effect; or
               (2)  the child is enrolled in comparable [health]
  insurance coverage or will be enrolled in comparable coverage that
  will take effect not later than the effective date of the
  cancellation or elimination of the employer's coverage.
         SECTION 27.  The heading to Section 154.193, Family Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.193.  MEDICAL SUPPORT ORDER OR DENTAL SUPPORT ORDER
  NOT QUALIFIED.
         SECTION 28.  Section 154.193(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  If a plan administrator or other person acting in an
  equivalent position determines that a medical support order or
  dental support order issued under this subchapter does not qualify
  for enforcement under federal law, the tribunal may, on its own
  motion or the motion of a party, render an order that qualifies for
  enforcement under federal law.
         SECTION 29.  Sections 156.401(a) and (a-2), Family Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), (a-2), or (b),
  the court may modify an order that provides for the support of a
  child, including an order for health care coverage under Section
  154.182 or an order for dental care coverage under Section
  154.1825, if:
               (1)  the circumstances of the child or a person
  affected by the order have materially and substantially changed
  since the earlier of:
                     (A)  the date of the order's rendition; or
                     (B)  the date of the signing of a mediated or
  collaborative law settlement agreement on which the order is based;
  or
               (2)  it has been three years since the order was
  rendered or last modified and the monthly amount of the child
  support award under the order differs by either 20 percent or $100
  from the amount that would be awarded in accordance with the child
  support guidelines.
         (a-2)  A court or administrative order for child support in a
  Title IV-D case may be modified at any time, and without a showing
  of material and substantial change in the circumstances of the
  child or a person affected by the order, to provide for medical
  support or dental support of the child if the order does not provide
  health care coverage as required under Section 154.182 or dental
  care coverage as required under Section 154.1825.
         SECTION 30.  Section 157.269, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 157.269.  RETENTION OF JURISDICTION.  A court that
  renders an order providing for the payment of child support retains
  continuing jurisdiction to enforce the order, including by
  adjusting the amount of the periodic payments to be made by the
  obligor or the amount to be withheld from the obligor's disposable
  earnings, until all current support, [and] medical support, dental
  support, and child support arrearages, including interest and any
  applicable fees and costs, have been paid.
         SECTION 31.  Sections 158.206(a) and (b), Family Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  An employer receiving an order or a writ of withholding
  under this chapter, including an order or writ directing that
  health insurance or dental insurance be provided to a child, who
  complies with the order or writ is not liable to the obligor for the
  amount of income withheld and paid as required by the order or writ.
         (b)  An employer receiving an order or writ of withholding
  who does not comply with the order or writ is liable:
               (1)  to the obligee for the amount not paid in
  compliance with the order or writ, including the amount the obligor
  is required to pay for health insurance or dental insurance under
  Chapter 154;
               (2)  to the obligor for:
                     (A)  the amount withheld and not paid as required
  by the order or writ; and
                     (B)  an amount equal to the interest that accrues
  under Section 157.265 on the amount withheld and not paid; and
               (3)  for reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.
         SECTION 32.  Section 158.302, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 158.302.  CONTENTS OF NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR
  JUDICIAL WRIT OF WITHHOLDING. The notice of application for
  judicial writ of withholding shall be verified and:
               (1)  state the amount of monthly support due, including
  medical support and dental support, the amount of arrearages or
  anticipated arrearages, including accrued interest, and the amount
  of wages that will be withheld in accordance with a judicial writ of
  withholding;
               (2)  state that the withholding applies to each current
  or subsequent employer or period of employment;
               (3)  state that if the obligor does not contest the
  withholding within 10 days after the date of receipt of the notice,
  the obligor's employer will be notified to begin the withholding;
               (4)  describe the procedures for contesting the
  issuance and delivery of a writ of withholding;
               (5)  state that if the obligor contests the
  withholding, the obligor will be afforded an opportunity for a
  hearing by the court not later than the 30th day after the date of
  receipt of the notice of contest;
               (6)  state that the sole ground for successfully
  contesting the issuance of a writ of withholding is a dispute
  concerning the identity of the obligor or the existence or amount of
  the arrearages, including accrued interest;
               (7)  describe the actions that may be taken if the
  obligor contests the notice of application for judicial writ of
  withholding, including the procedures for suspending issuance of a
  writ of withholding; and
               (8)  include with the notice a suggested form for the
  motion to stay issuance and delivery of the judicial writ of
  withholding that the obligor may file with the clerk of the
  appropriate court.
         SECTION 33.  Section 158.309(c), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (c)  Upon hearing, the court shall:
               (1)  render an order for income withholding that
  includes a determination of the amount of child support arrearages,
  including medical support, dental support, and interest; or
               (2)  grant the motion to stay.
         SECTION 34.  Section 158.312(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  If a notice of application for judicial writ of
  withholding is delivered and a motion to stay is not filed within
  the time limits provided by Section 158.307, the party who filed the
  notice shall file with the clerk of the court a request for issuance
  of the writ of withholding stating the amount of current support,
  including medical support and dental support, the amount of
  arrearages, and the amount to be withheld from the obligor's
  income.
         SECTION 35.  Section 158.314, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 158.314.  CONTENTS OF WRIT OF WITHHOLDING.  The
  judicial writ of income withholding issued by the clerk must direct
  that the employer or a subsequent employer withhold from the
  obligor's disposable income for current child support, including
  medical support and dental support, and child support arrearages an
  amount that is consistent with the provisions of this chapter
  regarding orders of withholding.
         SECTION 36.  Section 158.502(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  An administrative writ of withholding under this
  subchapter may be issued by the Title IV-D agency at any time until
  all current support, including medical support and dental support,
  [and] child support arrearages, and Title IV-D service fees
  authorized under Section 231.103 for which the obligor is
  responsible[,] have been paid. The writ issued under this
  subsection may be based on an obligation in more than one support
  order.
         SECTION 37.  Section 158.504(b), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  An administrative writ of withholding issued under this
  subchapter may contain only the information that is necessary for
  the employer to withhold income for child support, [and] medical
  support, and dental support and shall specify the place where the
  withheld income is to be paid.
         SECTION 38.  Section 158.507, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 158.507.  ADMINISTRATIVE WRIT TERMINATING WITHHOLDING.
  An administrative writ to terminate withholding may be issued and
  delivered to an employer by the Title IV-D agency when all current
  support, including medical support and dental support, [and] child
  support arrearages, and Title IV-D service fees authorized under
  Section 231.103 for which the obligor is responsible[,] have been
  paid.
         SECTION 39.  Section 159.502(c), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (c)  Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (d) and
  Section 159.503, the employer shall withhold and distribute the
  funds as directed in the withholding order by complying with terms
  of the order that specify:
               (1)  the duration and amount of periodic payments of
  current child support, stated as a sum certain;
               (2)  the person designated to receive payments and the
  address to which the payments are to be forwarded;
               (3)  medical support and dental support, whether in the
  form of periodic cash payments, stated as a sum certain, or ordering
  the obligor to provide health insurance coverage or dental
  insurance coverage for the child under a policy available through
  the obligor's employment;
               (4)  the amount of periodic payments of fees and costs
  for a support enforcement agency, the issuing tribunal, and the
  obligee's attorney, stated as sums certain; and
               (5)  the amount of periodic payments of arrearages and
  interest on arrearages, stated as sums certain.
         SECTION 40.  The heading to Section 231.0011, Family Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 231.0011.  DEVELOPMENT OF STATEWIDE INTEGRATED SYSTEM
  FOR CHILD SUPPORT, [AND] MEDICAL SUPPORT, AND DENTAL SUPPORT
  ENFORCEMENT.
         SECTION 41.  Sections 231.0011(a) and (g), Family Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The Title IV-D agency shall have final approval
  authority on any contract or proposal for delivery of Title IV-D
  services under this section and in coordination with the Texas
  Judicial Council, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
  Judicial System, the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement,
  and state, county, and local officials, shall develop and implement
  a statewide integrated system for child support, [and] medical
  support, and dental support enforcement, employing federal, state,
  local, and private resources to:
               (1)  unify child support registry functions;
               (2)  record and track all child support orders entered
  in the state;
               (3)  establish an automated enforcement process which
  will use delinquency monitoring, billing, and other enforcement
  techniques to ensure the payment of current support;
               (4)  incorporate existing enforcement resources into
  the system to obtain maximum benefit from state and federal
  funding; and
               (5)  ensure accountability for all participants in the
  process, including state, county, and local officials, private
  contractors, and the judiciary.
         (g)  Participation in the statewide integrated system for
  child support, [and] medical support, and dental support
  enforcement by a county is voluntary, and nothing in this section
  shall be construed to mandate participation.
         SECTION 42.  Section 231.002(e), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (e)  The Title IV-D agency may take the following
  administrative actions with respect to the location of a parent,
  the determination of parentage, and the establishment,
  modification, and enforcement of child support, [and] medical
  support, and dental support orders required by 42 U.S.C. Section
  666(c), without obtaining an order from any other judicial or
  administrative tribunal:
               (1)  issue an administrative subpoena, as provided by
  Section 231.303, to obtain financial or other information;
               (2)  order genetic testing for parentage
  determination, as provided by Chapter 233;
               (3)  order income withholding, as provided by Chapter
  233, and issue an administrative writ of withholding, as provided
  by Chapter 158; and
               (4)  take any action with respect to execution,
  collection, and release of a judgment or lien for child support
  necessary to satisfy the judgment or lien, as provided by Chapter
  157.
         SECTION 43.  Section 231.101(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The Title IV-D agency may provide all services required
  or authorized to be provided by Part D of Title IV of the federal
  Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.), including:
               (1)  parent locator services;
               (2)  paternity determination;
               (3)  child support, [and] medical support, and dental
  support establishment;
               (4)  review and adjustment of child support orders;
               (5)  enforcement of child support, [and] medical
  support, and dental support orders; and
               (6)  collection and distribution of child support
  payments.
         SECTION 44.  Section 231.104(b), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  An application for child support services is an
  assignment of support rights to enable the Title IV-D agency to
  establish and enforce child support, [and] medical support, and
  dental support obligations, but an assignment is not a condition of
  eligibility for services.
         SECTION 45.  Section 231.123(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  In order to maximize the amount of any tax refund to
  which an obligor may be entitled and which may be applied to child
  support, [and] medical support, and dental support obligations, the
  Title IV-D agency shall cooperate with volunteer income tax
  assistance programs in the state in informing obligors of the
  availability of the programs.
         SECTION 46.  Section 231.301(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The parent locator service conducted by the Title IV-D
  agency shall be used to obtain information for:
               (1)  child support establishment and enforcement
  purposes regarding the identity, social security number, location,
  employer and employment benefits, income, and assets or debts of
  any individual under an obligation to pay child support, [or]
  medical support, or dental support or to whom a support obligation
  is owed; or
               (2)  the establishment of paternity.
         SECTION 47.  Section 231.306, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 231.306.  MAXIMIZING MEDICAL SUPPORT AND DENTAL SUPPORT
  ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION BY THE TITLE IV-D AGENCY. (a)  On the
  installation of an automated child support enforcement system, the
  Title IV-D agency is strongly encouraged to:
               (1)  maximize the collection of medical support and
  dental support; and
               (2)  establish cash medical support orders for children
  eligible for medical assistance under the state Medicaid program
  for whom private insurance coverage is not available.
         (b)  In this section:
               (1)  "Medical[, "medical] support" has the meaning
  assigned by Section 101.020.
               (2)  "Dental support" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 101.0095.
         SECTION 48.  Section 233.001(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The purpose of the procedures specified in the child
  support review process authorized by this chapter is to enable the
  Title IV-D agency to take expedited administrative actions to
  establish, modify, and enforce child support, [and] medical
  support, and dental support obligations, to determine parentage, or
  to take any other action authorized or required under Part D, Title
  IV, of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 651 et
  seq.), and Chapter 231.
         SECTION 49.  Section 233.009(b), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  The notice of proposed child support review order shall
  state:
               (1)  the amount of periodic payment of child support
  due, the amount of any overdue support that is owed as an arrearage
  as of the date of the notice, and the amounts that are to be paid by
  the obligor for current support due and in payment on the arrearage
  owed;
               (2)  that the person identified in the notice as the
  party responsible for payment of the support amounts may contest
  the notice order on the grounds that:
                     (A)  the respondent is not the responsible party;
                     (B)  the dependent child is no longer entitled to
  child support; or
                     (C)  the amount of monthly support or arrearage is
  incorrectly stated; and
               (3)  that, if the person identified in the notice as the
  party responsible for payment of the support amounts does not
  contest the notice in writing or request a negotiation conference
  to discuss the notice not later than the 15th day after the date the
  notice was delivered, the Title IV-D agency may file a child support
  review order for child support, [and for] medical support, and
  dental support for the child as provided by Chapter 154 according to
  the information available to the agency.
         SECTION 50.  Section 233.0095(b), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  The notice of proposed child support review order shall
  state:
               (1)  the amount of periodic payment of child support
  due;
               (2)  that the person identified in the notice as the
  party responsible for payment of the support amounts may only
  contest the amount of monthly support; and
               (3)  that, if the person identified in the notice as the
  party responsible for payment of the support amounts does not
  contest the notice in writing or request a negotiation conference
  to discuss the notice not later than the 15th day after the date the
  notice was delivered, the Title IV-D agency may file the child
  support order for child support, [and for] medical support, and
  dental support for the child as provided by Chapter 154 according to
  the information available to the agency.
         SECTION 51.  Section 233.013(c), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), the Title IV-D agency
  may, at any time and without a showing of material and substantial
  change in the circumstances of the parties, file a child support
  review order that has the effect of modifying an existing order for
  child support to provide medical support or dental support for a
  child if the existing order does not provide health care coverage
  for the child as required under Section 154.182 or dental care
  coverage for the child as required under Section 154.1825.
         SECTION 52.  Section 233.017(a), Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  An order issued under this chapter must be reviewed and
  signed by an attorney of the Title IV-D agency and must contain all
  provisions that are appropriate for an order under this title,
  including current child support, medical support, dental support, a
  determination of any arrearages or retroactive support, and, if not
  otherwise ordered, income withholding.
         SECTION 53.  Section 234.002, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 234.002.  INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR CHILD SUPPORT, [AND]
  MEDICAL SUPPORT, AND DENTAL SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT. The statewide
  integrated system for child support, [and] medical support, and
  dental support enforcement under Chapter 231 shall be part of the
  state case registry and state disbursement unit authorized by this
  subchapter.
         SECTION 54.  Section 71.035(a), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  The council shall gather judicial statistics and other
  pertinent information from the several state judges and other court
  officials of this state. In addition, the council shall implement a
  monthly tracking system to ensure accountability for counties and
  courts which participate in the statewide integrated system for
  child support, [and] medical support, and dental support
  enforcement established under Section 231.0011, Family Code. As a
  duty of office, the district clerks and county clerks serving the
  affected courts shall report monthly such information as may be
  required by the council, including, at a minimum, the time required
  to enforce cases from date of delinquency, from date of filing, and
  from date of service until date of disposition. Such information as
  is necessary to complete the report and not directly within the
  control of the district or county clerk, such as date of
  delinquency, shall be provided to the clerk by the child support
  registry or by the enforcement agency providing Title IV-D
  enforcement services in the court. The monthly report shall be
  transmitted to the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
  Judicial System no later than the 20th day of the month following
  the month reported, in such form as may be prescribed by the Office
  of Court Administration, which may include electronic data
  transfer. Copies of such reports shall be maintained in the office
  of the appropriate district or county clerk for a period of at least
  two years and shall be available to the public for inspection and
  reproduction.
         SECTION 55.  Section 848.006(c), Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (c)  Subsection (a) does not apply to an individual:
               (1)  who is required to obtain or maintain health
  benefit plan coverage:
                     (A)  written by an institution of higher education
  at which the individual is or will be enrolled as a student; or
                     (B)  under an order requiring medical support or
  dental support for a child; or
               (2)  who voluntarily applies for benefits under a state
  administered program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42
  U.S.C. Section 1396 et seq.), or Title XXI of the Social Security
  Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1397aa et seq.).
         SECTION 56.  Section 1201.053(b), Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (b)  On the application of an adult member of a family, an
  individual accident and health insurance policy may, at the time of
  original issuance or by subsequent amendment, insure two or more
  eligible members of the adult's family, including a spouse,
  unmarried children younger than 25 years of age, including a
  grandchild of the adult as described by Section 1201.062(a)(1), a
  child the adult is required to insure under a medical support order
  or dental support order, if the policy provides dental coverage,
  issued under Chapter 154, Family Code, or enforceable by a court in
  this state, and any other individual dependent on the adult.
         SECTION 57.  Section 1201.062(a), Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  An individual or group accident and health insurance
  policy that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in this
  state, including a policy issued by a corporation operating under
  Chapter 842, or a self-funded or self-insured welfare or benefit
  plan or program, to the extent that regulation of the plan or
  program is not preempted by federal law, that provides coverage for
  a child of an insured or group member, on payment of a premium, must
  provide coverage for:
               (1)  each grandchild of the insured or group member if
  the grandchild is:
                     (A)  unmarried;
                     (B)  younger than 25 years of age; and
                     (C)  a dependent of the insured or group member
  for federal income tax purposes at the time application for
  coverage of the grandchild is made; and
               (2)  each child for whom the insured or group member
  must provide medical support or dental support, if the policy
  provides dental coverage, under an order issued under Chapter 154,
  Family Code, or enforceable by a court in this state.
         SECTION 58.  Section 1201.063, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1201.063.  PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN CRITERIA RELATING TO
  CHILD'S COVERAGE IN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP POLICY.  Regarding a
  natural or adopted child of an insured or group member or a child
  for whom the insured or group member must provide medical support or
  dental support, if the policy provides dental coverage, under an
  order issued under Chapter 154, Family Code, or enforceable by a
  court in this state, an individual or group accident and health
  insurance policy that provides coverage for a child of an insured or
  group member may not set a different premium for the child, exclude
  the child from coverage, or discontinue coverage of the child
  because:
               (1)  the child does not reside with the insured or group
  member; or
               (2)  the insured or group member does not claim the
  child as an exemption for federal income tax purposes under Section
  151(c) [151(c)(1)(B)], Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
         SECTION 59.  The heading to Chapter 1504, Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               CHAPTER 1504.  MEDICAL AND DENTAL CHILD SUPPORT
         SECTION 60.  Section 1504.001(4), Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
               (4)  "Benefit [Health benefit] plan issuer" means:
                     (A)  an insurance company, group hospital service
  corporation, or health maintenance organization that delivers or
  issues for delivery an individual, group, blanket, or franchise
  insurance policy or agreement, a group hospital service contract,
  or an evidence of coverage that provides benefits for medical or
  surgical expenses incurred as a result of an accident or sickness,
  or dental expenses;
                     (B)  a governmental entity subject to Subchapter
  D, Chapter 1355, Subchapter C, Chapter 1364, Chapter 1578, Article
  3.51-1, 3.51-4, or 3.51-5, or Chapter 177, Local Government Code;
                     (C)  the issuer of a multiple employer welfare
  arrangement as defined by Section 846.001; or
                     (D)  the issuer of a group health plan as defined
  by Section 607, Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29
  U.S.C. Section 1167).
         SECTION 61.  Section 1504.002(b), Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (b)  The commissioner shall adopt rules that define
  "comparable health or dental coverage" in a manner that:
               (1)  is consistent with federal law; and
               (2)  complies with the requirements necessary to
  maintain federal Medicaid funding.
         SECTION 62.  Section 1504.003, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.003.  VIOLATION OF CHAPTER: RELIEF AVAILABLE TO
  INJURED PERSON. A [health] benefit plan issuer that violates this
  chapter is subject to the same penalties, and an injured person has
  the same rights and remedies, as those provided by Subchapter D,
  Chapter 541.
         SECTION 63.  The heading to Subchapter B, Chapter 1504,
  Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER B.  DUTIES OF [HEALTH] BENEFIT PLAN ISSUER
         SECTION 64.  Section 1504.051, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.051.  ENROLLMENT OF CERTAIN CHILDREN REQUIRED.
  (a)  A [health] benefit plan issuer shall permit a parent to enroll
  a child in dependent health or dental coverage offered through the
  issuer regardless of any enrollment period restriction if the
  parent is:
               (1)  eligible for dependent health or dental coverage;
  and
               (2)  required by a court order or administrative order
  to provide health or dental insurance coverage for the child.
         (b)  A [health] benefit plan issuer shall enroll a child of a
  parent described by Subsection (a) in dependent health or dental
  coverage offered through the issuer if:
               (1)  the parent does not apply to obtain health or
  dental coverage for the child through the issuer; and
               (2)  the child, a custodial parent of the child, or a
  child support agency having a duty to collect or enforce support for
  the child applies for the coverage.
         SECTION 65.  Section 1504.052, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.052.  CHILD RESIDING OUTSIDE SERVICE AREA;
  COMPARABLE HEALTH OR DENTAL COVERAGE REQUIRED. (a)  A [health]
  benefit plan issuer may not deny enrollment of a child under the
  health or dental coverage of the child's parent on the ground that
  the child does not reside in the issuer's service area.
         (b)  A [health] benefit plan issuer may not enforce an
  otherwise applicable provision of the health or dental coverage
  that would deny, limit, or reduce payment of a claim for a covered
  child who resides outside the issuer's service area but inside the
  United States.
         (c)  For a covered child who resides outside the [health]
  benefit plan issuer's service area and whose coverage under a
  policy or plan is required by a medical support order or dental
  support order, the issuer shall provide coverage that is comparable
  health or dental coverage to that provided to other dependents
  under the policy or plan.
         (d)  Comparable health or dental coverage may include
  coverage in which a [health] benefit plan issuer uses different
  procedures for service delivery and health care provider
  reimbursement. Comparable health or dental coverage may not
  include coverage:
               (1)  that is limited to emergency services only; or
               (2)  for which the issuer charges a higher premium.
         SECTION 66.  Section 1504.053, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.053.  CANCELLATION OR NONRENEWAL OF COVERAGE FOR
  CERTAIN CHILDREN. (a)  A [health] benefit plan issuer may not
  cancel or refuse to renew health or dental coverage provided to a
  child who is enrolled or entitled to enrollment under this chapter
  unless satisfactory written evidence is filed with the issuer
  showing that:
               (1)  the court or administrative order that required
  the coverage is not in effect; or
               (2)  the child:
                     (A)  is enrolled in comparable health or dental
  coverage; or
                     (B)  will be enrolled in comparable health or
  dental coverage that takes effect not later than the effective date
  of the cancellation or nonrenewal.
         (b)  For purposes of this section, a child is not enrolled or
  entitled to enrollment under this chapter if the child's
  eligibility for health or dental coverage ends because the parent
  ceases to be eligible for dependent health or dental coverage.
         SECTION 67.  Section 1504.054, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.054.  CONTINUATION OR CONVERSION OF COVERAGE.
  (a)  If a child's eligibility for dependent health or dental
  coverage ends because the parent ceases to be eligible for the
  coverage and the coverage provides for the continuation or
  conversion of the coverage for the child, the [health] benefit plan
  issuer shall notify the custodial parent and the child support
  agency of the costs and other requirements for continuing or
  converting the coverage.
         (b)  The [health] benefit plan issuer shall, on application
  of a parent of the child, a child support agency, or the child,
  enroll or continue enrollment of a child whose eligibility for
  coverage ended under Subsection (a).
         SECTION 68.  Section 1504.055, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.055.  PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMS. (a)  A [health]
  benefit plan issuer that provides health or dental coverage to a
  child through a covered parent of the child shall:
               (1)  provide to each custodial parent of the child or to
  an adult child documents and other information necessary for the
  child to obtain benefits under the coverage, including:
                     (A)  the name of the issuer;
                     (B)  the number of the policy or evidence of
  coverage;
                     (C)  a copy of the policy or evidence of coverage
  and schedule of benefits;
                     (D)  a health or dental coverage membership card;
                     (E)  claim forms; and
                     (F)  any other document or information necessary
  to submit a claim in accordance with the issuer's policies and
  procedures;
               (2)  permit a custodial parent, health care provider,
  state agency that has been assigned medical or dental support
  rights, or adult child to submit claims for covered services
  without the approval of the covered parent; and
               (3)  make payments on covered claims submitted in
  accordance with this subsection directly to a custodial parent,
  health care or dental care provider, adult child, or state agency
  making a claim.
         (b)  A [health] benefit plan issuer shall provide to a state
  agency that provides medical assistance, including medical
  assistance for dental services, to the child or shall provide to a
  child support agency that enforces medical or dental support on
  behalf of a child the information necessary to obtain reimbursement
  of medical or dental services provided to or paid on behalf of the
  child.
         SECTION 69.  Section 1504.101, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.101.  DENIAL OF ENROLLMENT ON CERTAIN GROUNDS
  PROHIBITED. A [health] benefit plan issuer may not deny enrollment
  of a child under the health or dental coverage of the child's parent
  on the ground that the child:
               (1)  has a preexisting condition;
               (2)  was born out of wedlock;
               (3)  is not claimed as a dependent on the parent's
  federal income tax return;
               (4)  does not reside with the parent; or
               (5)  receives or has applied for medical assistance.
         SECTION 70.  Section 1504.102, Insurance Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 1504.102.  ASSIGNMENT OF MEDICAL OR DENTAL SUPPORT
  RIGHTS: DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS PROHIBITED. A [health] benefit
  plan issuer may not require a state agency that has been assigned
  the rights of an individual who is eligible for medical assistance
  and is covered for health or dental benefits from the issuer to
  comply with a requirement that is different from a requirement
  imposed on an agent or assignee of any other covered individual.
         SECTION 71.  Section 402.085, Labor Code, is amended to read
  as follows:
         Sec. 402.085.  EXCEPTIONS TO CONFIDENTIALITY.  (a)  The
  division shall release information on a claim to:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Insurance for any
  statutory or regulatory purpose, including a research purpose under
  Chapter 405;
               (2)  a legislative committee for legislative purposes;
               (3)  a state or federal elected official requested in
  writing to provide assistance by a constituent who qualifies to
  obtain injury information under Section 402.084(b), if the request
  for assistance is provided to the division;
               (4)  the attorney general or another entity that
  provides child support services under Part D, Title IV, Social
  Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.), relating to:
                     (A)  establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child
  support, [or] medical support, or dental support obligation; or
                     (B)  locating an absent parent; or
               (5)  the office of injured employee counsel for any
  statutory or regulatory purpose that relates to a duty of that
  office as provided by Section 404.111(a).
         (b)  The division may release information on a claim to a
  governmental agency, political subdivision, or regulatory body to use
  to:
               (1)  investigate an allegation of a criminal offense or
  licensing or regulatory violation;
               (2)  provide:
                     (A)  unemployment compensation benefits;
                     (B)  crime victims compensation benefits;
                     (C)  vocational rehabilitation services; or
                     (D)  health care benefits;
               (3)  investigate occupational safety or health
  violations;
               (4)  verify income on an application for benefits under
  an income-based state or federal assistance program; or
               (5)  assess financial resources in an action, including
  an administrative action, to:
                     (A)  establish, modify, or enforce a child
  support, [or] medical support, or dental support obligation;
                     (B)  establish paternity;
                     (C)  locate an absent parent; or
                     (D)  cooperate with another state in an action
  authorized under Part D, Title IV, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
  Section 651 et seq.), or Chapter 231, Family Code.
         SECTION 72.  (a)  The changes in law made by this Act apply
  to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed on or after
  the effective date of this Act. 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 was filed, and the
  former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         (b)  The change in law made by this Act does not by itself
  constitute a material and substantial change of circumstances under
  Section 156.401, Family Code, as amended by this Act, sufficient to
  warrant modification of a court order or a portion of a decree that
  provides for the support of a child rendered before the effective
  date of this Act.
         SECTION 73.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 550 passed the Senate on
  May 4, 2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 550 passed the House on
  May 27, 2015, by the following vote:  Yeas 142, Nays 2, two
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor