Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1876 by Zaffirini (Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem, guardians ad litem, mediators, and guardians.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to require each court in Texas to establish and maintain lists of attorneys who have registered and are qualified to serve as attorneys ad litem, guardians, guardians ad litem, and mediators, with some exemptions as described. With certain exceptions, as described, a judge would be required to appoint the person whose name appears first on the list, and then move that person to the end of the list. A local administrative judge would be authorized to maintain the lists for multiple courts. The bill would include provisions making corresponding changes to the duties of presiding judges for statutory probate courts and local administrative judges. The Office of Court Administration indicates bill provisions are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication for the court system.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council