Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 79 (1st C.S.)	House Author:  Lewis et al.
Effective:  See below	Senate Sponsor:  Duncan

            House Bill 79 amends provisions of the Government Code, Property Code, Local Government Code,  Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Penal Code, and Family Code to revise and update provisions relating to fiscal and other matters necessary for implementation of the judiciary budget and relating to the operation and administration of the courts in the judicial branch of state government and the practice and procedures in those courts.  The bill revises and sets out provisions relating to appellate courts, district courts, statutory county courts, justice and small claims courts, associate judges, associate judges for juvenile matters, and court administration.  The provisions relating to small claims, Texas Supreme Court rules defining cases that constitute small claims, and rules of civil procedure applicable to small claims cases are effective May 1, 2013.

            House Bill 79 sets out provisions relating to grant programs for court system enhancements, child protection, and procedures for appealing an order designating a person as a vexatious litigant.  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System is required to study and report on the overlapping jurisdiction of the district courts and statutory county courts in civil cases in which the amount in controversy is more than $200,000.

            House Bill 79 revises provisions relating to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in regard to extended jurisdiction over a young adult who has exited the foster care system.  The bill exempts a person appointed and serving as an associate judge under provisions relating to the parent-child relationship and the suit affecting the parent-child relationship from certain provisions of the Penal Code prohibiting a person from carrying a weapon.  The bill makes these provisions relating to family law matters effective September 28, 2011.  The bill revises provisions relating to inmate litigation in certain actions brought by an inmate in certain courts in which an affidavit or unsworn declaration of inability to pay costs is filed by the inmate.  The bill updates provisions relating to court costs.  Except as otherwise provided, House Bill 79 is effective January 1, 2012.