Texas Statutes
Subchapter B. Administration of Financial Assistance and Services
Section 31.0315. Determination of Parentage

Sec. 31.0315. DETERMINATION OF PARENTAGE. (a) A parent applying for assistance on behalf of a child shall identify the parent's spouse or, if unmarried, shall provide the name and last known address of the mother or alleged father of the child, as applicable.
(b) If the applying parent is under 18 years of age and resides with relatives, the applicant's relatives shall cooperate in identifying the other parent.
(c) A person who is not a parent and who is applying for assistance on behalf of a child shall provide the name and last known address of the mother and alleged father of the child.
(d) The commission may waive the requirements of this section if it determines that there exists a reasonable explanation why it is impossible to provide the information required under Subsection (a), (b), or (c) or if it would not be in the best interests of the child to provide the information. In determining whether the best interests of the child warrant waiving the information requirements of this section, the commission shall consider all relevant provisions of federal law and regulations.
(e) The commission shall forward to the attorney general's office information received under this section.
(f) If the parent of a dependent child is under 17 years of age and the Title IV-D agency determines that the child's birth may be the result of sexual conduct that constitutes a criminal offense under the Penal Code, that agency shall refer the case to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 721, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 4.064, eff. April 2, 2015.

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