Texas House Bill HB2616

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to attorney fees in parent-child proceedings.

Impact

The enactment of HB2616 will provide support for low-income families engaged in parent-child legal disputes by ensuring that they have access to legal representation without the burden of inability to pay. The bill mandates reimbursement to counties from the state funds for the fees of appointed attorneys when indigency is established. This change is likely to further ensure that the legal needs of disadvantaged parents and children are met adequately.

Summary

House Bill 2616 addresses the issue of attorney fees in parent-child legal proceedings in Texas. The bill specifically amends Subsection 107.015(c) of the Texas Family Code. It stipulates that when indigency is demonstrated by the parents, the state will allocate funds for court-appointed attorneys representing children or parents in cases initiated by governmental entities. This amendment emphasizes the financial responsibility of the state and outlines how these payments are to be managed through the county's general funds.

Contention

While the bill may seem beneficial for those in need of legal representation, there may be points of contention concerning budget allocations and the potential strain on state resources. There’s concern around the stipulations governing the reimbursement process, especially regarding how and when counties will receive these funds, and whether the anticipated financial aid will be sufficient to cover the costs involved in a timely manner. Further debate may arise around the overall sufficiency of funds appropriated for this purpose and the criteria for determining indigency.