BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 555

By: Thompson, Senfronia

Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that, in light of the many responsibilities of a person appointed sole managing conservator of a child in caring for the child, the right to apply for a passport for the child, renew the child's passport, and maintain possession of the child's passport should be included among the person's rights and duties. H.B. 555 seeks to address this issue by granting those rights to such a person in relation to a child's passport.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 555 amends the Family Code to include among the rights and duties of a parent or a nonparent appointed as sole managing conservator of a child, as applicable, the right to apply for a passport for a child, renew the child's passport, and maintain possession of the child's passport. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.