Texas House Bill HB1170

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/5/09

Caption

Relating to the qualifications to conduct a social study in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to affect the Family Code by modifying Section 107.0511, which governs the qualifications of social study evaluators in legal contexts. Allowing experienced evaluators to bypass new qualifications may help ensure that those with significant previous experience can continue to serve without interruption. This could stabilize the availability of qualified evaluators in family court cases, which often require expertise in delicate matters regarding custody and parental rights.

Summary

House Bill 1170 seeks to amend the qualifications necessary for individuals conducting social studies in certain legal cases involving the parent-child relationship. The bill specifically introduces new stipulations that would exempt individuals with specific prior credentials from meeting newly established minimum qualifications. If enacted, this exemption would apply to individuals who have considerable experience in this field and have conducted a significant number of social studies before a certain date.

Contention

There are concerns regarding the potential implications of this amendment. Supporters of HB1170 argue that it will allow seasoned professionals to apply their expertise and knowledge, which is vital in the nuanced arena of family law. However, opponents may contend that altering the qualifications could lead to inconsistencies in evaluations and may not adequately protect the interests of those involved in custody disputes. The bill's passage could lead to debates about the standardization of evaluations and what constitutes adequate preparation for handling sensitive family legal matters.