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.

ModeratePlan for compliance

Low Cost

Effective:2025-09-01

Enforcing Agencies

District Court Clerks • Office of the Attorney General (Child Support Division) • Texas Family Courts

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

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.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

Our government affairs experts can walk you through this bill's specific impact on your operations.

Schedule Consultation

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.

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

TopicsFamily Family--child Support Courts Courts--general Civil Remedies & Liabilities Family--family Violence Email & Electronic Communications Teleconferencing Videoconferencing

Official Analysis

View HRO Analysis View All Bill Documents

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

Explore more bills from this author and on related topics

More from Sen. Royce West

View all bills by Sen. Royce West

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1403

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. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Immediate adherence to new evidentiary rules and service protocols required).

Who authored SB1403?

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

When was SB1403 signed into law?

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

Which agencies enforce SB1403?

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

How urgent is compliance with SB1403?

The compliance urgency for SB1403 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

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.

What topics does SB1403 address?

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

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

Need Strategic Guidance on This Bill?

Need help with Government Relations, Lobbying, or compliance? JD Key Consulting has the expertise you're looking for.