BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1410

                                                                                                                                            By: Lucio

Judiciary

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill is designed to provide a fair system for appointing attorneys ad litem.  Current law mandates no system, and is subject to ethical concern.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

The bill would require a local administrative judge to maintain a list of all attorneys qualified to serve as attorney ad litem and would require courts to appoint attorneys from the list in order unless an exception can be based on relevant specialized education, training, certification or skill.  The list and appointments therefrom would be required beginning December 1, 2005.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005