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Bill

SB 31

Relating to the execution of a waiver of citation by digitized signature in a suit for the dissolution of a marriage.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Judith Zaffirini

Texas bill allows electronic signatures on divorce citation waivers, modernizing family law procedures while potentially raising authentication and fraud prevention concerns.

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#digitalsignatures(s0144) #divorce(s3940) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #family--general(i0354) #family--marriagerelationship(i0350) #notaries(i0538)
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Bill Summary · SB 31

Legislative bill overview

SB 31 authorizes the use of digitized signatures (electronic signatures) on waivers of citation in divorce proceedings in Texas. Currently, Texas law may require wet signatures or specific signature methods for these legal documents. This bill would modernize the process by allowing parties to sign electronically, streamlining the dissolution of marriage process.

Why is this important

Divorce proceedings often involve tight timelines and parties in different locations. Allowing digital signatures reduces delays, travel requirements, and administrative burden while maintaining legal validity. This modernization aligns Texas law with contemporary digital transaction practices already permitted in many other legal contexts.

Potential points of contention

  • Legal enforceability concerns: Some may question whether digitized signatures provide adequate authentication compared to traditional signatures, despite established e-signature laws (like the federal UETA and Texas UETA)
  • Fraud prevention: Opponents might argue digital signatures create vulnerability to identity fraud or unauthorized waivers in sensitive family law matters
  • Consistency with existing law: Questions about how this interacts with current Texas Family Code requirements and whether statutory language elsewhere already permits e-signatures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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