- (a) After all the evidence has been received but before the arguments of counsel at a hearing for discretionary transfer to criminal court, a disposition hearing without a jury, or a modification of disposition hearing, the court shall give a parent who is present in court a reasonable opportunity to address the court about the needs or strengths of the child or family or any other matter relevant to disposition of the case.
- (b) The parent may not be required to make the statement under oath and may not be subject to cross-examination, but the court may seek clarification or expansion of the statement from the person giving the statement.
- (c) The court may consider and act on the statement as the court considers appropriate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 283, Sec. 28, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.