Bill: SB 1929, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate State Affairs

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Sylvia Garcia

Bill Caption

Relating to the transfer of jurisdiction and the appointment of an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1929 would amend Code to provide stricter processes for transferring Child Protection Services (CPS) cases from one county to another county. This would require the clerk transferring a proceeding to send to the appropriate county court to which the transfer is being made no later than 10 business days after the order is signed. The clerk of the transferee court, on receipt of the case, to docket the suit and notify the judge and all other appropriate parties that the case has been docketed. The order would be required to contain certain information about case and also, if the court finds the appointment of a new attorney ad litem is appropriate, to do so before 10 days after receiving the transfer or the date of the first scheduled hearing, whichever is earliest.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would affirm the principle of limited government. A proper role of government is providing for an efficient court system to ensure  that cases are dealt with as quickly as possible. This is all the more true when the case involves a child in the state's foster care system. By tightening up the process for transferring jurisdiction this legislation would ensure a speedier adjudication and ensure that the case does not get lost in the transfer which could result in children being unintentionally returned to potentially dangerous homes before a court can decide the matter. 

While the best environment for children to be raised is generally with their own family, there are extreme situations that necessitate state intervention. So long as the state has determined that an intervention is necessary it is important that the utmost care be taken to ensure that the case is handled correctly in order to minimize disruption, confusion, and uncertainty for the children involved. For these reasons we support this legislation on the principle of limited government.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 02:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb1929?print_view=true