S.B. No. 2501 amends the Family Code to enhance the rights of indigent parents in legal proceedings affecting the parent-child relationship. The bill allows an indigent parent, who is determined to be eligible under Section 107.013, to select their own attorney ad litem, rather than being limited to a court-appointed attorney. This selection process is independent of any court appointment system, ensuring that the court cannot influence or interfere with the parent's choice. The selected attorney must be licensed, in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, and meet continuing education requirements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that payment for the attorney's services will be made from county funds, equal to what would be paid to a court-appointed attorney.

The bill also includes provisions that require the court to inform parents of their right to representation and the option to select their own attorney if they are indigent. It prohibits the court from imposing additional requirements on the attorney selection process and establishes that any local rules conflicting with this section are not enforceable. The changes will apply only to suits filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. The Office of Court Administration is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes by January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 107.013 (Family Code 107)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 107.013 (Family Code 107)
Engrossed: Family Code 107.013 (Family Code 107)
House Committee Report: Family Code 107.013 (Family Code 107)
Enrolled: Family Code 107.013 (Family Code 107)