Honorable Jim Jackson, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1025 by Harris (Relating to service of citation and appointment of an attorney ad litem for an indigent parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Family Code to provide: (1) that the citation served upon the parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship include information regarding the parent's right to seek an ad litem and how to tender a request for determination of indigence, and (2) a timeframe by which the court shall make an eligibility determination and timely appointment, if qualified. According to the Office of Court Administration, under existing law, trial courts should be making a similar inquiry of the parents and the notice language provided in this bill would not obviate the courts' responsibility. To the extent the bill may result in the appointment of counsel a few days earlier than under existing law, no impact on judicial workloads or fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council