Texas SB1838: Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

What the bill says

An act relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

From the enrolled text, May 30, 2025:

AN ACT relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 107.013(a), Family Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) In a suit filed by a governmental entity [[DELETED: under Subtitle ] [DELETED: E]] in which termination of the parent-child relationship or the appointment of a conservator for a child is requested, the court shall appoint an attorney ad litem to represent the interests of: (1) an indigent parent of the child who responds in opposition to the termination or appointment; (2) a parent served by citation by publication; (3) an alleged father who failed to register with the registry under Chapter 160 and whose identity or location is unknown; and (4) an alleged father who registered with the paternity registry under Chapter 160, but the petitioner's attempt to personally serve citation at the address provided to the registry and at any other address for the alleged father known by the petitioner has been unsuccessful. SECTION 2. Section 107.015, Family Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows: (a) An attorney appointed under this chapter[ADDED: or …

Sponsors

• Judith Zaffirini (D, SD-021) · primary sponsor
• Joseph Moody (D, HD-078)

Latest actions

1. June 22, 2025: Vetoed by the Governor
2. June 1, 2025: Sent to the Governor
3. June 1, 2025: Signed in the House
4. May 31, 2025: Signed in the Senate
5. May 31, 2025: Senate concurs in House amendment(s)-reported
6. May 30, 2025: Reported enrolled
7. May 30, 2025: Record vote
8. May 30, 2025: Senate concurs in House amendment(s)
9. May 30, 2025: Read
10. May 30, 2025: House amendment(s) laid before the Senate

Votes

• Jurisprudence Committee Vote (Out of committee): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee Vote (Out of committee): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate concurs in House amendment(s) (May 30, 2025): 31 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Record vote RV#3662 (May 27, 2025): 140 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB1838?

SB1838 is a bill in the Texas Legislature (89th Legislature Regular Session): Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

What does SB1838 do?

In its own words: An act relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

What is the status of SB1838?

Vetoed as of June 22, 2025. Latest action: Vetoed by the Governor (June 22, 2025).

Who sponsored SB1838?

Judith Zaffirini (D, SD-021), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for SB1838?

On the Texas Legislature website: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB01838