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AN ACT
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relating to child custody evaluations. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 107.103, Family Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsections (e), (f), and (g) to read as follows: |
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(e) In appointing a child custody evaluator in a suit in |
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which a party subject to the child custody evaluation does not speak |
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English as a primary language, the court shall ensure that the child |
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custody evaluator: |
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(1) is able to effectively communicate in the primary |
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language of the party; or |
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(2) will be assisted by a licensed or certified |
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interpreter. |
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(f) A licensed or certified interpreter assisting a child |
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custody evaluator under Subsection (e)(2) may accompany the |
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evaluator in person or assist through use of audio or video |
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conferencing technology. |
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(g) The court may require the parties to pay any costs |
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associated with obtaining assistance for a child custody evaluator |
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from a licensed or certified interpreter. |
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SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only |
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to a child custody evaluation conducted on or after the effective |
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date of this Act, regardless of whether the suit affecting the |
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parent-child relationship was filed before, on, or after that date. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 3009 was passed by the House on May 8, |
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2021, by the following vote: Yeas 116, Nays 23, 2 present, not |
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voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 3009 was passed by the Senate on May |
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27, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: _____________________ |
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Date |
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_____________________ |
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Governor |