Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 41	Senate Author:  Zaffirini
Effective:  9-1-19	House Sponsor:  Smithee

            Current law requires the use of a rotation system for the appointment of attorneys ad litem, guardians ad litem, mediators, and guardians, with certain exceptions, and requires courts to report on such appointments. Senate Bill 41 amends the Government Code to exempt from the rotation system and reporting requirements an attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, amicus attorney, or mediator providing services without expectation or receipt of compensation or providing services as a volunteer of a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono legal services to the indigent. The bill also authorizes a court to appoint a person whose name does not appear first on the list from which the court makes appointments using a rotation system or a person who meets statutory or other requirements to serve and who is not included on the list if, within 30 days preceding the date of appointment, an initial declaration of a state of disaster is made for the area served by the court.