S.B. No. 942 amends the Texas Family Code to establish provisions for retroactive child support, allowing courts to order such support beginning from the date of a child's conception. The bill introduces new subsections that clarify the presumption that it is in the best interest of the child for retroactive support to start at conception, as determined by a physician or other evidence. Additionally, the court may require the obligor to cover an equitable portion of prenatal and postnatal health care expenses for both the mother and child. The court is also mandated to confirm the total amount of retroactive child support owed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing language regarding paternity orders and retroactive child support obligations, ensuring that courts can order retroactive support when establishing paternity. It repeals a previous subsection related to this matter and specifies that the changes apply only to orders and acknowledgments of paternity made after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 154.131, Family Code 160.636 (Family Code 160, Family Code 154)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 154.131, Family Code 160.636 (Family Code 160, Family Code 154)
Engrossed: Family Code 154.131, Family Code 160.636 (Family Code 160, Family Code 154)
House Committee Report: Family Code 154.131, Family Code 160.636 (Family Code 160, Family Code 154)