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TX SB2501
Bill
Status
6/22/2025
Primary Sponsor
Judith Zaffirini
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AI Summary
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Indigent parents in child protective services cases involving termination of parental rights or conservatorship appointments may now select their own attorney ad litem rather than having one appointed by the court
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Selected attorneys must be licensed in Texas, in good standing with the State Bar, and meet continuing education requirements for ad litem representation
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Courts are prohibited from influencing, directing, or interfering with a parent's attorney selection, and the process operates independently of any court appointment rotation system
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Payment for parent-selected attorneys comes from county general funds at the same rate as court-appointed attorneys, following existing payment procedures
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The Office of Court Administration must adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026, and the law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to suits filed on or after that date
Legislative Description
Relating to selection of an attorney by an indigent parent as attorney ad litem for the parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
Lawyers
Last Action
Vetoed by the Governor
6/22/2025