Equal Protection Guarantees in Child Custody Determinations: The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits family courts from rationing parenting time or awarding primary custody based on gender stereotypes, maternal preferences, or traditional marital roles (Palmore v. Sidoti). Both fit parents possess equal, fundamental constitutional standing to raise their children. State practices creating unequal custody awards violate constitutional mandates unless justified by a compelling state interest executed through least restrictive means.
Important: You can save time when you arrive at the Texas Capitol to register by creating your public profile in advance and be prepared by knowing:
- The correct bill number. (Find your Bill number here.) (The current proposed equal parenting bill is HB 453 sponsored by James White (text of HB 453).) (If you want to know if there are more bills regarding Equal parenting, Texas Legislature Online Portal and use the key words "equal parenting" to run your search.)
- In which committee hearing the bill is being heard. (Find the House committee hearings here and find the Senate committee hearings here.)
- The time and location of the hearing (View upcoming meetings)
Then register at the Kiosk or your personal IPad once you arrive at the Capitol building in Austin, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701. Here is a guide to the Austin Capitol with a building directory, guide, and brochure.
View a video on how to use House Witness Registration.
For more information go to the Texas Legislature Registration page here.
If you want to know who represents you, go to this page, Who Represents Me?
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