Sec. 61.105.  PARENTAL ORAL STATEMENT.  (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.