The Title IV-D agency must refer certain unemployed or underemployed obligors with child-support arrears to employment services, may refer similar obligors who are not in arrears, may require completion of related training or counseling, and must suspend a license if the obligor does not comply.
Sec. 231.117. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES-RELATED REFERRALS FOR UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED OBLIGORS. (a) The Title IV-D agency: (1) shall refer to appropriate state and local entities that provide employment services any unemployed or underemployed obligor who is in arrears in court-ordered child support payments; and (2) may make the referral described by Subdivision (1) for any unemployed or underemployed obligor who is not in arrears. (b) A referral under Subsection (a) may include: (1) skills training and job placement through: (A) the Texas Workforce Commission; or (B) the agency responsible for the food stamp employment and training program (7 U.S.C. Section 2015(d)); (2) referrals to education and literacy classes; and (3) counseling regarding: (A) substance abuse; (B) parenting skills; (C) life skills; and (D) mediation techniques. (c) The Title IV-D agency may require an unemployed or underemployed obligor to complete the training, classes, or counseling to which the obligor is referred under this section. The agency shall suspend under Chapter 232 the license of an obligor who fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection. (d) Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 152 (S.B. 870), Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2023. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 7.20(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1072, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 231.115 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(23), eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 231.115 and amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 54, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 152 (S.B. 870), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2023. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 152 (S.B. 870), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2023. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 152 (S.B. 870), Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2023.