87R2125 EAS-D
 
  By: White H.B. No. 630
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the requirement that a court interview certain children
  in chambers on issues regarding conservatorship and residence in a
  suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 153.009, Family Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
         (a-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), in a nonjury trial or
  at a hearing, the court shall interview in chambers a child 16 years
  of age or older to determine the child's wishes as to
  conservatorship or as to the person who shall have the exclusive
  right to determine the child's primary residence regardless of
  whether an application for an interview with the child has been made
  to the court by a person as described by that subsection.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies to a
  suit affecting the parent-child relationship that is pending in a
  trial court on the effective date of this Act or that is filed on or
  after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.