The bill amends various sections of the Family Code to enhance the appointment and compensation of attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by governmental entities. It mandates the appointment of an attorney ad litem for children immediately after the filing of such suits, ensuring their interests are represented adequately. The bill also specifies that if the parents are indigent, attorneys ad litem who are not employees of certain public entities will be compensated from the county's general funds according to a newly established fee schedule. This fee schedule must be developed collaboratively by the courts in each county and will outline the compensation for time spent in court and out of court, as well as reimbursement for necessary expenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the removal of attorneys from the list of qualified individuals if they submit false claims for payment. It allows for a petition process to compel payment for denied or modified claims, ensuring timely compensation for legal services rendered. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, with a requirement for counties to adopt the new fee schedule by January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to improve legal representation for children and parents in these critical legal matters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 107.012, Family Code 107.013, Family Code 107.015, Family Code 107.252, Family Code 107.255, Family Code 107.260 (Family Code 107)