Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB575 by Dutton (relating to a suit for possession of or access to a child by a grandparent.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Family Code to eliminate current restrictions governing when a grandparent may sue for possession of or access to a child and require the court to appoint a guardian ad litem for a grandchild at the request of the grandparent who filed the suit.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementation of the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
The Texas Association of Counties anticipates a fiscal impact on counties due to an expected increase in the number of guardian ad litem appointments. However, the extent of that impact cannot be determined at this time.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council