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Relating to the time for rendering a final order in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 185 would require the court in parent-child termination cases to render a final verdict no later than 90 days after the date the trial commences. This time frame would not include any recesses during the trial and the court would be able to grant one extension via a written order that specifies the grounds of the extension and the length of the extension. If a court does not abide by the new rule, a party would be able to file a mandamus proceeding to compel the court to render a final order within the allotted time.
Justice delayed is justice denied, especially in cases involving a child/parent relationship. These are times that cannot be regained once taken. Therefore, a timeframe or deadline imposed upon courts for these extremely serious cases is a beneficial thing. If the child is to be taken from the parent, then it should be decided timely to ensure the least amount of trauma to the child caused by dragging out a court case. Texas Action supports SB 185.
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