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AN ACT
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relating to requirements applicable to an attorney ad litem |
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representing a child in a child abuse proceeding. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 107.004(e), Family Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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(e) An attorney ad litem appointed for a child in a |
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proceeding under Chapter 262 or 263 is not required to comply with |
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Subsection (d) before a hearing if the court finds at that hearing |
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that the attorney ad litem has shown good cause why the attorney ad |
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litem's compliance with that subsection is not feasible or in the |
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best interest of the child. Additionally, a court may, on a showing |
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of good cause, authorize an attorney ad litem to comply with |
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Subsection (d) by conferring with the child or other individual, as |
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appropriate, by telephone or video conference. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2007. |
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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. 1972 was passed by the House on April |
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12, 2007, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 1 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. 1972 was passed by the Senate on May |
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15, 2007, 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 |