Zaffirini Guardianship Bill Orders A Study, Then Expires In 2028

The text as introduced · 336 words

89R14620 EAS-D

By: Zaffirini
S.B. No. 2091

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study on effective case management practices and

procedures for courts in guardianship proceedings.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) In this section:

(1) "Guardianship proceeding" has the meaning

assigned by Section 1002.015, Estates Code.

(2) "Office" means the Office of Court Administration

of the Texas Judicial System.

(b) Using available resources, the office shall conduct a

study on effective case management practices and procedures for

courts in guardianship proceedings in this state.

(c) The office shall:

(1) use the findings of the study to establish

standardized case management practices for courts hearing

guardianship proceedings; and

(2) prepare a report based on the study conducted

under this section.

(d) The report under Subsection (c)(2) must include:

(1) an evaluation of:

(A) the cost of adopting an electronic case

management system for use by courts in guardianship proceedings;

(B) whether the use of an electronic case

management system should be mandatory or permissive on the courts;

(C) what fields, data, and other elements should

be included in the electronic case management system; and

(D) the potential difficulties in implementing

the electronic case management system, including specific barriers

for use of the system by each type of court to which the system would

apply, including statutory probate courts, constitutional county

courts, statutory county courts, and district courts;

(2) any other information the office considers helpful

in assessing the value or necessity of implementing the electronic

case management system; and

(3) legislative and other recommendations for

implementation of the most effective case management practices and

procedures for courts hearing guardianship proceedings.

(e) Not later than September 1, 2027, the office shall

submit the report required under Subsection (c)(2) of this section

to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of

representatives, and appropriate standing committees of the

legislature.

(f) This section expires January 1, 2028.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.