81R2151 MCK-D
By: Naishtat H.B. No. 611
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requirements applicable to an attorney ad litem
appointed to represent a parent in a child protective services
case.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 107.013, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:
(e) An attorney ad litem appointed for a parent under this
section shall complete at least three hours of continuing legal
education relating to representing parents in child abuse and
neglect cases as soon as practicable after the attorney ad litem's
appointment. An attorney ad litem is not required to comply with
this subsection if the court finds that the attorney ad litem has
experience equivalent to the required education.
(f) An attorney ad litem appointed for a parent shall become
familiar with the American Bar Association's standards of practice
for attorneys who represent parents in abuse and neglect cases.
SECTION 2. Sections 107.013(e) and (f), Family Code, as
added by this Act, apply to a suit affecting the parent-child
relationship filed on or after the effective date of this Act. A
suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed before the
effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
date the suit was filed, and the former law is continued in effect
for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.