By: Carter H.B. No. 3819
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the judicial procedure required before an abortion may
  be performed on a minor without notification to and consent of a
  parent or guardian.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle A, Title 2, Family Code, is amended by
  amending Chapter 33 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 33. NOTICE OF ABORTION
         Sec. 33.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Abortion" means the use of any means to terminate
  the pregnancy of a female known by the attending physician to be
  pregnant, with the intention that the termination of the pregnancy
  by those means will with reasonable likelihood cause the death of
  the fetus. This definition, as applied in this chapter, applies
  only to an unemancipated minor known by the attending physician to
  be pregnant and may not be construed to limit a minor's access to
  contraceptives.
               (2)  "Fetus" means an individual human organism from
  fertilization until birth.
               (3)  "Guardian" means a court-appointed guardian of the
  person of the minor.
               (4)  "Physician" means an individual licensed to
  practice medicine in this state.
               (5)  "Unemancipated minor" includes a minor who:
                     (A)  is unmarried; and
                     (B)  has not had the disabilities of minority
  removed under Chapter 31.
         Sec. 33.002.  PARENTAL NOTICE. (a) A physician may not
  perform an abortion on a pregnant unemancipated minor unless:
               (1)  the physician performing the abortion gives at
  least 48 hours actual notice, in person or by telephone, of the
  physician's intent to perform the abortion to:
                     (A)  a parent of the minor, if the minor has no
  managing conservator or guardian; or
                     (B)  a court-appointed managing conservator or
  guardian;
               (2)  the judge of a court having probate jurisdiction,
  the judge of a county court at law, the judge of a district court,
  including a family district court, or a court of appellate
  jurisdiction issues an order authorizing the minor to consent to
  the abortion as provided by Section 33.003 or 33.004;
               (3)  a probate court, county court at law, district
  court, including a family district court, or court of appeals, by
  its inaction, constructively authorizes the minor to consent to the
  abortion as provided by Section 33.003 or 33.004; or
               (4)  the physician performing the abortion:
                     (A)  concludes that on the basis of the
  physician's good faith clinical judgment, a condition exists that
  complicates the medical condition of the pregnant minor and
  necessitates the immediate abortion of her pregnancy to avert her
  death or to avoid a serious risk of substantial and irreversible
  impairment of a major bodily function; and
                     (B)  certifies in writing to the Texas Department
  of Health and in the patient's medical record the medical
  indications supporting the physician's judgment that the
  circumstances described by Paragraph (A) exist.
         (b)  If a person to whom notice may be given under Subsection
  (a)(1) cannot be notified after a reasonable effort, a physician
  may perform an abortion if the physician gives 48 hours
  constructive notice, by certified mail, restricted delivery, sent
  to the last known address, to the person to whom notice may be given
  under Subsection (a)(1). The period under this subsection begins
  when the notice is mailed. If the person required to be notified is
  not notified within the 48-hour period, the abortion may proceed
  even if the notice by mail is not received.
         (c)  The requirement that 48 hours actual notice be provided
  under this section may be waived by an affidavit of:
               (1)  a parent of the minor, if the minor has no managing
  conservator or guardian; or
               (2)  a court-appointed managing conservator or
  guardian. constructive notice has been provided as required by this
  section. Execution of an affidavit under this subsection creates a
  presumption that the requirements of this section have been
  satisfied.
         (d)  A physician may execute for inclusion in the minor's
  medical record an affidavit stating that, according to the best
  information and belief of the physician, notice or constructive
  notice has been provided as required by this section. Execution of
  an affidavit under this subsection creates a presumption that the
  requirements of this section have been satisfied.
         (e)  The Texas Department of Health shall prepare a form to
  be used for making the certification required by Subsection (a)(4).
         (f)  A certification required by Subsection (a)(4) is
  confidential and privileged and is not subject to disclosure under
  Chapter 552, Government Code, or to discovery, subpoena, or other
  legal process. Personal or identifying information about the minor,
  including her name, address, or social security number, may not be
  included in a certification under Subsection (a)(4). The physician
  must keep the medical records on the minor in compliance with the
  rules adopted by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners under
  Section 153.003, Occupations Code.
         (g)  A physician who intentionally performs an abortion on a
  pregnant unemancipated minor in violation of this section commits
  an offense. An offense under this subsection is punishable by a fine
  not to exceed $10,000. In this subsection, "intentionally" has the
  meaning assigned by Section 6.03(a), Penal Code.
         (h)  It is a defense to prosecution under this section that
  the minor falsely represented her age or identity to the physician
  to be at least 18 years of age by displaying an apparently valid
  governmental record of identification such that a reasonable person
  under similar circumstances would have relied on the
  representation. The defense does not apply if the physician is
  shown to have had independent knowledge of the minor's actual age or
  identity or failed to use due diligence in determining the minor's
  age or identity. In this subsection, "defense" has the meaning and
  application assigned by Section 2.03, Penal Code.
         (i)  In relation to the trial of an offense under this
  section in which the conduct charged involves a conclusion made by
  the physician under Subsection (a)(4), the defendant may seek a
  hearing before the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners on
  whether the physician's conduct was necessary to avert the death of
  the minor or to avoid a serious risk of substantial and irreversible
  impairment of a major bodily function. The findings of the Texas
  State Board of Medical Examiners under this subsection are
  admissible on that issue in the trial of the defendant.
  Notwithstanding any other reason for a continuance provided under
  the Code of Criminal Procedure or other law, on motion of the
  defendant, the court shall delay the beginning of the trial for not
  more than 30 days to permit a hearing under this subsection to take
  place.
         Sec. 33.003.  JUDICIAL APPROVAL. (a) A pregnant minor who
  wishes to have an abortion without [to the] notification to and the
  consent of one of her parents, her managing conservator, or her
  guardian may file an application for a court order authorizing the
  minor to consent to the performance of an abortion without
  notification to and the consent of either of her parents or a
  managing conservator or guardian.
         (b)  The application may be filed in any county court at law,
  court having probate jurisdiction, or district court, including a
  family district court, in [this statc]the minor's county of
  residence or neighboring county if the minor's county of residence
  has fewer than 10,000 residents.
         (c)  The application must be made under oath and include:
               (1)  a statement that the minor is pregnant;
               (2)  a statement that the minor is unmarried, is under
  18 years of age, and has not had her disabilities removed under
  Chapter 31;
               (3)  a statement that the minor wishes to have an
  abortion without the notification to and consent of either of her
  parents or a managing conservator or guardian; and
               (4)  a statement as to whether the minor has retained an
  attorney and, if she has retained an attorney, the name, address,
  and telephone number of her attorney.
         (d)  The clerk of the court shall deliver a courtesy copy of
  the application made under this section to the judge who is to hear
  the application.
         (e)  The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the
  minor. If the minor has not retained an attorney, the court shall
  appoint an attorney to represent the minor. [If the guardian ad
  litem is an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state,
  the court may appoint the guardian ad litem to serve as the minor's
  attorney.] The guardian ad litem, who shall be a different person
  than the minor's attorney or attorney ad litem, shall represent
  the best interests of the minor and presume that involving a
  parent, a managing conservator, or guardian in the minor's
  abortion decision is in the best interests of the minor.
         (f)  The court may appoint to serve as guardian ad litem
               (1)  a person who may consent to treatment for the minor
  under Sections 32.001(a)(1)-(3);
               (2)  a psychiatrist or an individual licensed or
  certified as a psychologist under Chapter 501, Occupations Code;
               (3)  an appropriate employee of the Department of
  Family and Protective Services;
               (4)  a member of the clergy; or
               (5)  another appropriate person selected by the court.
         (g)  The court shall fix a time for a hearing on an
  application filed under Subsection (a) and shall keep a record of
  all testimony and other oral proceedings in the action. [The court
  shall cntcr judgment on the application immediately after the
  hearing is concluded.]
         (h)  The court shall rule on an application submitted under
  this section and shall issue written findings of fact and
  conclusions of law not later than 5 p.m. on the [second]fifth
  business day after the date the application is filed with the court.
  On request by the minor, the court shall grant an extension of the
  period specified by this subsection. If a request for an extension
  is made, the court shall rule on an application and shall issue
  written findings of fact and conclusions of law not later than 5
  p.m. on the [second] fifth business day after the date the minor
  states she is ready to proceed to hearing.
         (i)  If the court fails to rule on the application and issue
  written findings of fact and conclusions of law within the period
  specified by this subsection, the application is deemed to be
  granted and the physician may perform the abortion as if the court
  had issued an order authorizing the minor to consent to the
  performance of the abortion without the notification required under
  Section 33.002(a)(1) and the consent required under
  Section.164.052(a)(19), Occupations Code.
         (j)  Proceedings under this section shall be given
  precedence over other pending matters to the extent necessary to
  assure that the court reaches a decision promptly regardless of
  whether the minor is granted an extension under this subsection.
         (k)  The court shall determine by [a preponderance of the
  evidence]clear and convincing evidence, as defined by Section
  101.007, whether the minor [is] has overcome the presumption that
  notifying and obtaining the consent of her parent or managing
  conservator or guardian is in her best interest. In making its
  decision, the court shall determine:
               (1)  whether the minor is mature and sufficiently well
  informed to make the decision to have an abortion performed without
  notification to and consent of either of her parents or a managing
  conservator or guardian;
               (2)  whether [notification would not]the abortion
  would be in the best interest of the minor; or
               (3)  whether notification to and obtaining the consent
  of either of her parents or a managing conservator or guardian would
  lead to abuse, as that term is defined by 261.001, of the minor.
         (l)  In determining whether the minor meets the requirements
  of Subsection (k), the court shall consider the experience,
  perspective, and judgement of the particular minor. The court may
  consider all relevant factors, including:
               (1)  the minor's age;
               (2)  life experiences, such as working, traveling
  independently, or managing her own financial affairs;
               (3)  steps taken to explore her options and the
  consequences of those options; and
               (4)  her decision not to tell a parent, managing
  conservator, or guardian.
         (m)  In determining whether the minor meets the requirements
  of Subsection (j), the court may:
               (1)  inquire as to the minor's reasons for seeking an
  abortion, and the court may consider the degree to which the minor
  is informed about the state-published informational materials
  described under Chapter 171, Health and Safety Code, and
               (2)  require the minor to be evaluated by a licensed
  mental health counselor, who shall return the evaluation to the
  court for review within three business days.
         (n)  If the court finds that [the minor is mature and
  sufficiently well informed, that notification would not be in the
  minor's best interest, or that the notification may lead to
  physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of the minor]any of the
  requirements of Subsection (k) are met, the court shall enter an
  order authorizing the minor to consent to the performance of the
  abortion without the notification [to either of her parents or a
  managing conservator or guardian and shall execute the required
  forms] required under Section 33.002(a)(1) and the consent required
  under Section 164.052(a)(19), Occupations Code. The order shall be
  valid for 30 days after it is entered.
         ([j]o)  If the court finds that the minor does not meet the
  requirements of Subsection (k), the court may not authorize the
  minor to consent to an abortion without the notification
  [authorized under Section 33.002(a)(1)] required under Section
  33.002(a)(1) and the consent required under Section
  164.052(a)(19), Occupations Code.
         (p)  If the court fails to rule within the period specified
  by this subsection, the appeal is deemed to be granted and the
  physician may perform the abortion as if the court had issued an
  order authorizing the minor to consent to the performance of the
  abortion without the notification required under Section
  33.002(a)(1) and the consent required under
  Section.164.052(a)(19), Occupations Code.
         ([k]q)  The court may not notify a parent, managing
  conservator, or guardian that the minor is pregnant or that the
  minor wants to have an abortion. The court proceedings shall be
  conducted in a manner that protects the anonymity of the minor. The
  application and all other court documents pertaining to the
  proceedings are confidential and privileged and are not subject to
  disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, or to discovery,
  subpoena, or other legal process. All reports shall protect the
  anonymity of the minor. The minor may file the application using a
  pseudonym or using only her initials. The minor shall have access to
  the records of her case.
         (r)  The clerk of the court shall report to the Office of
  Court Administration, which shall annually publish the information
  reported under Subsections (2), (3), and (6):
               (1)  the case number and style;
               (2)  the applicant's county of residence;
               (3)  the identity of the court in which the proceeding
  occurred;
               (4)  the date of filing;
               (5)  the date of the disposition; and
               (6)  the nature of the disposition, whether the order
  was granted, denied, dismissed for want of prosecution, voluntarily
  dismissed/mooted, deemed granted for failure to timely rule under
  Subsection (l), or other reason.
         ([l]s) An order of the court issued under this section is
  confidential and privileged and is not subject to disclosure under
  Chapter 552, Government Code, or discovery, subpoena, or other
  legal process. The order may not be released to any person but the
  pregnant minor, the pregnant minor's guardian ad litem, the
  pregnant minor's attorney, another person designated to receive the
  order by the minor, or a governmental agency or attorney in a
  criminal or administrative action seeking to assert or protect the
  interest of the minor. The supreme court may adopt rules to permit
  confidential docketing of an application under this section.
         ([m]t) The clerk of the supreme court shall prescribe the
  application form to be used by the minor filing an application under
  this section.
         ([n]u) A filing fee is not required of and court costs may not
  be assessed against a minor filing an application under this
  section.
         Sec. 33.004.  APPEAL. (a)  A minor whose application under
  Section 33.003 is denied may appeal to the court of appeals having
  jurisdiction over civil matters in the county in which the
  application was filed. On receipt of a notice of appeal, the clerk
  of the court that denied the application shall deliver a copy of the
  notice of appeal and record on appeal to the clerk of the court of
  appeals. On receipt of the notice and record, the clerk of the court
  of appeals shall place the appeal on the docket of the court.
         (b)  The court of appeals shall rule on an appeal under this
  section not later than 5 p.m. on the [second] fifth business day
  after the date the notice of appeal is filed with the court that
  denied the application. On request by the minor, the court shall
  grant an extension of the period specified by this subsection. If a
  request for an extension is made, the court shall rule on the appeal
  not later than 5 p.m. on the [second]fifth business day after the
  date the minor states she is ready to proceed.
         (c)  If the court of appeals fails to rule on the appeal
  within the period specified by this subsection, the appeal is
  deemed to be granted. The clerk of the court shall issue a
  certificate to that effect to the minor, and the physician may
  perform the abortion as if the court had issued an order authorizing
  the minor to consent to the performance of the abortion without the
  notification required under Section 33.002(a)(1) and the consent
  required under Section 164.052(a)(19), Occupations Code.
         ([e]d) Proceedings under this section shall be given
  precedence over other pending matters to the extent necessary to
  assure that the court reaches a decision promptly.
         (e)  An [ruling]order of the court of appeals issued under
  this section is confidential and privileged and is not subject to
  disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, or discovery,
  subpoena, or other legal process. The [ruling]order may not be
  released to any person [but] except:
               (1)  the pregnant minor,
               (2)  the pregnant minor's guardian ad litem,
               (3)  the pregnant minor's attorney,
               (4)  another person designated to receive the ruling by
  the minor, or
               (5)  a governmental agency or attorney in a criminal or
  administrative action seeking to assert or protect the interest of
  the minor. The supreme court may adopt rules to permit confidential
  docketing of an appeal under this section.
         ([d]f) The clerk of the supreme court shall prescribe the
  notice of appeal form to be used by the minor appealing a judgment
  under this section.
         ([e]g) A filing fee is not required of and court costs may not
  be assessed against a minor filing an appeal under this section.
         ([f]h) An expedited confidential appeal shall be available to
  any pregnant minor to whom a court of appeals denies an order
  authorizing the minor to consent to the performance of an abortion
  without notification to either of her parents or a managing
  conservator or guardian.
         Sec. 33.005.  RECORDS.  The clerk of the court shall retain
  the records for each case before the court under this subchapter
  in accordance with rules for civil cases. The minor shall be granted
  access to the records of her case.
         Sec. [33.005]33.006. AFFIDAVIT OF PHYSICIAN. (a)  A physician
  may execute for inclusion in the minor's medical record an
  affidavit stating that, after reasonable inquiry, it is the belief
  of the physician that:
               (1)  the minor has made an application or filed a notice
  of an appeal with a court under this chapter;
               (2)  the deadline for court action imposed by this
  chapter has passed; and
               (3)  the physician has been notified that the court has
  not denied the application or appeal.
         (b)  A physician who in good faith has executed an affidavit
  under Subsection (a) may rely on the affidavit and may perform the
  abortion as if the court had issued an order granting the
  application or appeal.
         Sec. [33.006]33.007. GUARDIAN AD LITEM IMMUNITY.  A guardian
  ad litem appointed under this chapter and acting in the course and
  scope of the appointment is not liable for damages arising from an
  act or omission of the guardian ad litem committed in good faith.
  The immunity granted by this section does not apply if the conduct
  of the guardian ad litem is committed in a manner described by
  Sections 107.003(b)(1)-(4).
         Sec. [33.007]33.008. COSTS PAID BY STATE.  (a) A court acting
  under Section 33.003 or 33.004 may issue an order requiring the
  state to pay:
               (1)  the cost of any attorney ad litem and any guardian
  ad litem appointed for the minor;
               (2)  notwithstanding Sections 33.003(n) and 33.004(e),
  the costs of court associated with the application or appeal; and
               (3)  any court reporter's fees incurred.
         (b)  An order issued under Subsection (a) must be directed to
  the comptroller, who shall pay the amount ordered from funds
  appropriated to the Texas Department of Health.
         Sec. [33.008]33.009. PHYSICIAN'S DUTY TO REPORT ABUSE OF A
  MINOR; INVESTIGATION AND ASSISTANCE.  (a) A physician who has
  reason to believe that a minor has been or may be physically or
  sexually abused [by a person responsible for the minor's care,
  custody, or welfare,] as that term is defined by Section 261.001,
  shall immediately report the suspected abuse to the Department of
  Family and Protective Services and shall refer the minor to the
  department for services or intervention that may be in the best
  interest of the minor.
         (b)  The Department of Family and Protective Services shall
  investigate suspected abuse reported under this section [and,if  
  appropriate, shall assist the minor in making an application with a
  court under Section 33.003].
         Sec. [33.009]33.010. OTHER REPORTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A
  MINOR. A court or the guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem for the
  minor shall report conduct reasonably believed to violate Section
  21.02, 22.011, 22.021, or 25.02, Penal Code, based on information
  obtained during a confidential court proceeding held under this
  chapter to:
               (1)  any local or state law enforcement agency;
               (2)  the Department of Family and Protective Services,
  if the alleged conduct involves a person responsible for the care,
  custody, or welfare of the child;
               (3)  the state agency that operates, licenses,
  certifies, or registers the facility in which the alleged conduct
  occurred, if the alleged conduct occurred in a facility operated,
  licensed, certified, or registered by a state agency; or
               (4)  an appropriate agency designated by the court.
         Sec. [33.010]33.011. CONFIDENTIALITY. Notwithstanding any
  other law, information obtained by the Department of Family and
  Protective Services or another entity under Section 33.008 or
  33.009 is confidential except to the extent necessary to prove a
  violation of Section 21.02, 22.011, 22.021, or 25.02, Penal Code.
         SECTION 2.  The Supreme Court of Texas shall promptly issue
  rules necessary in order that proceedings under Sections 33.003,
  33.004, and 33.005, Family Code, as added by this Act, are
  conducted in a manner that will ensure anonymity of the minor and
  have sufficient precedence over all other pending matters to
  ensure promptness of disposition. The Supreme Court shall adopt
  the application form and notice of appeal form to be used under
  Sections 33.014 and 33.015, Family Code, as added by this Act, not
  later than December 15, 2013.
         SECTION 3.  Except as provided by SECTION 4 of this Act, this
  Act takes effect December 15, 2013.
         SECTION 4.  Chapter 33, Family Code, as amended by this Act,
  applies only to an abortion performed on or after January 1, 2014.
  An abortion performed before January 1, 2014, is governed by the
  law as it existed immediately before the effective date of this
  Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.