Relating to the establishment of a family protection representation program within the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
Impact
The passage of SB 2120 is expected to amend existing statutes that govern the legal representation of families involved with CPS. By instituting a standardized program for family protection representation, the bill will seek to guarantee that services are uniformly provided across Texas, addressing the previous disparities in attorney compensation and representation structures. This could result in improved outcomes for families facing legal challenges within the state’s child protection system, providing them with resources that were previously inconsistent and often inadequate.
Summary
Senate Bill 2120 aims to establish a family protection representation program under the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. The bill arises from a directive issued in 2019 by the Texas Judicial Council, which identified significant inconsistencies in the data collection related to court-appointed legal representation for families, particularly in Child Protective Services (CPS) cases. As such, the bill seeks to ensure that indigent parents and their children have access to competent legal assistance during CPS investigations and proceedings, ultimately to enhance the quality of representation in such cases.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB 2120 is largely positive, particularly among advocacy groups for families with disabled individuals and those from organizations such as Disability Rights Texas. Supporters argue that the bill serves a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of vulnerable populations within the state's legal system. Testimonies presented during committee hearings highlighted personal experiences that underscored the necessity of reliable legal representation for indigent families, which has fostered a collective sense of urgency in support of the bill.
Contention
Despite its widespread support, the bill did face minimal contention, typically centered around concerns regarding the implementation and financial implications of the proposed program. The need to streamline responsibilities for judges reporting on compliance to the program was discussed, as was the necessity of ensuring consistent funding and resources for implementation. However, these concerns did not significantly hinder the bill's advancement through the legislative process, as a strong consensus emerged regarding the importance of providing stable legal support to families involved with CPS.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 79. Texas Indigent Defense Commission
Section: New Section
Section: 012
Section: 034
Section: 0365
Section: 041
Section: New Section
Section: 012
Section: 034
Section: 035
Section: 0365
Section: New Section
Section: 012
Section: 034
Section: 0365
Section: 041
Section: New Section
Section: 012
Section: 034
Section: 035
Section: 041
Section: New Section
Section: 012
Section: 034
Section: 0365
Family Code
Chapter 107. Special Appointments, Child Custody Evaluations, And Adoption Evaluations
Relating to the policies and standards of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission applicable to the provision of indigent defense services or family protection services.
Relating to the reorganization of powers and duties among agencies in this state that provide representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases and to the reorganization of funding sources for indigent defense.
Relating to the reorganization of powers and duties among agencies in this state that provide representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases and to the reorganization of funding sources for indigent defense.
Relating to magistration proceedings for criminal defendants and the retention of related records, to services and representation provided to indigent criminal defendants and indigent juveniles, and to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
Relating to legal representation of indigent persons in this state and to proceedings before a magistrate including the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant.
Relating to legal representation of indigent persons in this state and to proceedings before a magistrate including the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant.