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Signed Into Law
Signed May 19, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB1403

Regular Session

Relating to the administration of the Title IV-D agency, the powers and duties of the Title IV-D agency regarding the collection, modification, and enforcement of child support, and to certain procedures for cases and orders relating to the Title IV-D agency.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

SB1403: Government Affairs Overview

SB1403 fundamentally shifts Texas child support enforcement into the digital age by authorizing service of process via email and validating remote proceedings, while simultaneously strengthening the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) litigation position. The law expands immunity for government contractors, makes OAG financial investigation reports self-authenticating evidence, and renders private arbitration clauses unenforceable against the State unless the agency explicitly consents.

Sen. Royce West·Senate Bill·Regular Session

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01

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SB1403
Moderate
Relating to the administration of the Title IV-D agency, the powers and duties of the Title IV-D agency regarding the collection, modification, and en...
Moderate Compliance Urgency
Requires near-term attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
District Court ClerksOffice of the Attorney GeneralTexas Family Courts
Primary Author: Sen. Royce West
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Immediate adherence to new evidentiary rules and service protocols required).
  • Agency Rulemaking: The Title IV-D Agency (OAG) must prescribe mandatory forms for "Notice of Administrative Adjustment" and "Investigation Reports" by September 1, 2025. Informational brochures must be published online by December 1, 2025.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Update Contact Data: Immediately audit and update all email addresses on file with the State Case Registry to prevent missed service of process.
  • 2. Revise ADR Templates: Redraft settlement templates to explicitly include the Title IV-D agency as a signatory if you intend to bind them to arbitration or mediation.
  • 3. Prepare for "Ambush" Evidence: Instruct legal teams to treat every OAG hearing as a final trial; bring controverting financial evidence (tax returns, pay stubs) to every appearance to counter self-authenticating OAG reports.
  • 4. Review Legacy Files: Identify client files with dormant child support judgments; warn clients that the OAG may now administratively revive these debts regardless of the order date.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Arbitration & Mediation Clauses: Review all standard Family Settlement Agreements (MSAs) and employment dispute settlements. Mandatory arbitration/mediation clauses are now void against the Title IV-D agency unless the agency is a direct signatory.
  • Government Contracts: Private attorneys and entities contracting with the OAG for child support services must update risk assessments. You now possess statutory immunity against "frivolous" claims, potentially lowering professional liability insurance premiums.

Hiring/Training

  • Legal Counsel Training: Litigators must be retrained to stop objecting to remote testimony based on identity verification technicalities (Sec. 30.012(b) exemptions).
  • Evidentiary Protocol: Counsel must prepare to rebut "Investigation Reports" immediately at hearings. These reports are now admissible as prima facie evidence of income; the burden of proof shifts instantly to the respondent to disprove the state's data.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Email Hygiene: Because the OAG can now serve notices regarding administrative reviews and adjustments via email, businesses acting as registered agents or employers must verify that the email address on file with the State Case Registry is active and monitored daily.
  • Incarcerated Employees: HR departments must flag employees incarcerated for 180+ days. Expect "Administrative Adjustment" orders reducing support obligations; these must be processed immediately to avoid payroll errors.

Fees & Costs

  • Mediation Costs: Do not invoice the Title IV-D agency for mediation or arbitration costs. The law explicitly exempts the agency from liability for these fees.
  • Filing Fees: Court clerks will assess standard filing fees upon the filing of administrative adjustment orders for incarcerated obligors.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "Appropriate" Remote Technology: The statute allows the OAG to determine the method of remote participation (Zoom, teleconference, etc.). It is unclear if a respondent can successfully demand an in-person hearing by claiming a lack of access to technology, or if this will result in a default judgment.
  • Rebuttal Standards: While OAG "Investigation Reports" are admissible as truth, the statute does not define the evidentiary standard required to rebut them. Until case law develops, counsel should assume a high bar and bring certified financial records to every hearing.
  • Retroactive Arrearages: The removal of time limits on administrative orders for arrearages applies retroactively. It is currently undefined how far back the OAG will reach to revive "dead" debt, creating uncertainty for obligors with old judgments.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 19, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 10, 2025
Passed House
May 6, 2025
Signed
May 19, 2025
Effective
Sep 1, 2025
TopicsFamilyFamily--child SupportCourtsCourts--generalCivil Remedies & LiabilitiesFamily--family ViolenceEmail & Electronic CommunicationsTeleconferencingVideoconferencing
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Royce WestDemocrat · Primary Author

House Sponsor

Rep. Harold DuttonDemocrat · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Royce West

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1403

Q

What does Texas SB1403 do?

SB1403 fundamentally shifts Texas child support enforcement into the digital age by authorizing service of process via email and validating remote proceedings, while simultaneously strengthening the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) litigation position. The law expands immunity for government contractors, makes OAG financial investigation reports self-authenticating evidence, and renders private arbitration clauses unenforceable against the State unless the agency explicitly consents.

Q

Who authored SB1403?

SB1403 was authored by Texas Senator Royce West during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB1403 signed into law?

SB1403 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 19, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB1403?

SB1403 is enforced by District Court Clerks, Office of the Attorney General (Child Support Division) and Texas Family Courts.

Q

How significant are the changes in SB1403?

The regulatory priority for SB1403 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB1403?

The cost impact of SB1403 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB1403 address?

SB1403 addresses topics including family, family--child support, courts, courts--general and civil remedies & liabilities.

Q

What are the key dates for SB1403?

Key dates for SB1403: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Ensure all Title IV-D brochures are published and available on the agency's Internet website. (2025-12-01); Prescribe mandatory forms for 'Notice of Administrative Adjustment' and 'Investigation Reports' regarding incarcerated obligors. (2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026