SB2091 - Relating to a study on effective case management practices and procedures for courts in guardianship proceedings.

  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.