H.B. No. 3181 aims to enhance the enforcement of court orders regarding child possession and access, particularly in cases of contempt. The bill introduces a new section, 156.107, which allows a court to modify existing orders if a conservator is found in contempt for denying possession or access to a child, provided they have been previously found in contempt at least three times. Additionally, it amends existing sections of the Family Code, including 157.165, which now prohibits community supervision for respondents who have repeatedly failed to comply with possession orders, and 157.167, which restricts the waiver of attorney's fees for those with multiple contempt findings.

Further amendments to section 157.168 require courts to order additional periods of possession or access to compensate for previous denials, with specific provisions for those who have been found in contempt multiple times. The bill repeals certain existing provisions and clarifies that the new regulations will apply to pending and future cases, with a specified effective date of September 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen the consequences for non-compliance with child custody orders and ensure that children receive the access they are entitled to.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 157.165, Family Code 157.167, Family Code 157.168 (Family Code 157)
House Committee Report: Family Code 157.165, Family Code 157.167, Family Code 157.168 (Family Code 157)
Engrossed: Family Code 157.165, Family Code 157.167, Family Code 157.168 (Family Code 157)