The bill, H.B. No. 557, amends Section 157.162 of the Family Code to provide specific protections for respondents in child support enforcement hearings. It introduces a new provision stating that a court cannot find a respondent in contempt for failing to pay child support if the respondent presents evidence at the hearing demonstrating that they are current on payments and that any missed payments were due to errors by third parties or circumstances beyond their control. This aims to ensure that individuals are not unjustly penalized for situations that are not their fault.

The changes made by this bill will only apply to hearings that begin on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Hearings that start before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulations without retroactive implications.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 157.162 (Family Code 157)