89R14620 EAS-D
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2091
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on effective case management practices and
procedures for courts in guardianship proceedings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Guardianship proceeding" has the meaning
assigned by Section 1002.015, Estates Code.
(2) "Office" means the Office of Court Administration
of the Texas Judicial System.
(b) Using available resources, the office shall conduct a
study on effective case management practices and procedures for
courts in guardianship proceedings in this state.
(c) The office shall:
(1) use the findings of the study to establish
standardized case management practices for courts hearing
guardianship proceedings; and
(2) prepare a report based on the study conducted
under this section.
(d) The report under Subsection (c)(2) must include:
(1) an evaluation of:
(A) the cost of adopting an electronic case
management system for use by courts in guardianship proceedings;
(B) whether the use of an electronic case
management system should be mandatory or permissive on the courts;
(C) what fields, data, and other elements should
be included in the electronic case management system; and
(D) the potential difficulties in implementing
the electronic case management system, including specific barriers
for use of the system by each type of court to which the system would
apply, including statutory probate courts, constitutional county
courts, statutory county courts, and district courts;
(2) any other information the office considers helpful
in assessing the value or necessity of implementing the electronic
case management system; and
(3) legislative and other recommendations for
implementation of the most effective case management practices and
procedures for courts hearing guardianship proceedings.
(e) Not later than September 1, 2027, the office shall
submit the report required under Subsection (c)(2) of this section
to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of
representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the
legislature.
(f) This section expires January 1, 2028.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.