ORDER

GEORGE C. HANKS, JR., District Judge.

On July 23, 2018, Mullis filed a Pro-Se Motion to Waive Appeals and Terminate Counsel. (Docket Entry No. 105). In a telephonic hearing held on September 12, 2018, the Court questioned Mullis and found that it is appropriate to begin the process necessary to determine his competency to waive federal review and dismiss his attorneys. The Court therefore, ORDERS that Mullis be examined by:

Dr. Proctor will determine whether Mullis is competent to waive federal habeas review, evaluating "whether he has capacity to appreciate his position and make a rational choice with respect to continuing or abandoning further litigation or on the other hand whether he is suffering from a mental disease, disorder, or defect which may substantially affect his capacity in the premises." Lopez v. Stephens, 783 F.3d 524, 525 (5th Cir. 2015)

The Court ORDERS that the warden of the Polunsky Unit, or whosoever may have custody of Mullis, shall permit Dr. Proctor to visit and examine Mullis for the purpose of this competency evaluation.

The Court ORDERS the parties to provide Dr. Proctor any necessary records.

Dr. Proctor shall, within a reasonable time of conducting the examination discussed above, provide all parties and the Court with a written report describing his findings upon examination of Mullis.

A court-appointed expert "is entitled to a reasonable compensation." FED. R. EVID. 706(c). A district court may tax the "compensation of court appointed experts" as costs pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1920(6). The Court assigns the cost for Dr. Proctor's evaluation to be shared equally between the parties. Dr. Proctor may bill each party for half the cost of his services.

The Clerk will enter this Order and send copies to the attorneys of record, Dr. Timothy James Proctor. and Travis James Mullis, TDCJ Number 999563, Allan B. Polunsky Unit, 3872 FM 350 South, Livingston, TX 77351.