SRC-JBJ S.B. 609 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 609
By: Lindsay
Jurisprudence
7/22/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, an attorney representing ad litem a child must interview
individuals with significant knowledge of the condition of the child.  The
Texas Family Code (TFC) outlines duties of courtappointed attorneys, with
the clear intent of Subsection 107.0114(b)(2), TFC, to require the attorney
to become familiar with the child's background, in order to guarantee that
the attorney gathers sufficient information regarding the client's case
prior to court representation.  Nevertheless, under the present TFC
guidelines the attorney does not have a specific requirement to interview
the child's caregiver such as a foster family or substitute family.  S.B.
609 will require an attorney ad litem representing a child to interview the
child's caregiver as well as individuals with significant knowledge of the
child's history and condition.   

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 609 requires an attorney ad litem to interview a child's
caregivers. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 107.014(b), Family Code, to require an attorney
ad litem appointed to represent a child to interview individuals with
significant knowledge of the child's history and conditions, including the
child's foster parents. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.