S.B. No. 2501 amends the Family Code to allow indigent parents involved in certain legal proceedings regarding the parent-child relationship to select their own attorney ad litem. The bill specifies that if a parent is not represented by an attorney at their first court appearance, the court must inform them of their right to be represented by an attorney, including the option to select an attorney compensated by the county. Additionally, the bill introduces Section 107.01301, which outlines the criteria for selecting an attorney, including that the attorney must be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. The selection process is designed to be independent of any court appointment system, ensuring that the court cannot interfere with the parent's choice.

The bill also establishes that the payment for services rendered by the selected attorney will be equal to that of an appointed attorney ad litem and will be paid from the county's general funds. It prohibits local rules that conflict with the selection process and emphasizes that any interference with a parent's right to select an attorney for financial gain or favoritism is a violation of judicial ethics. The changes in law 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)