87R2116 EAS-D
By: White H.B. No. 526
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the time period during which a court must interview
certain children in chambers on issues regarding conservatorship
and residence in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 153.009(a), Family Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(a) In a nonjury trial or at a hearing, on the application of
a party, the amicus attorney, or the attorney ad litem for the
child, the court shall interview in chambers a child 12 years of age
or older and may interview in chambers a child under 12 years of age
to determine the child's wishes as to conservatorship or as to the
person who shall have the exclusive right to determine the child's
primary residence. The court may also interview a child in chambers
on the court's own motion for a purpose specified by this
subsection. An interview of a child 12 years of age or older
required under this subsection must be conducted not later than the
60th business day after the date the application is filed by the
party, amicus attorney, or attorney ad litem, as applicable.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to a
suit affecting the parent-child relationship that is pending in a
trial court on the effective date of this Act or that is filed on or
after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.