ZEM S.B. 1689 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


CIVIL PRACTICES
S.B. 1689
By: Ellis (Dutton)
5-23-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, the Harris County commissioners court has implemented the
Harris County Peer Mediation Partnership in some 170 county schools.
Additionally, the county is engaged in two pilot projects involving
adjudicated delinquent youth.  This bill would authorize the commissioners
court of a county with a population of more than 2,400,000 to establish an
alternative dispute resolution system for the resolution of disputes
between students in the public primary and secondary schools in the
county.  
  
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1689 authorizes the commissioners court of a county with
a population of more than 2,400,000 to establish an alternative dispute
resolution system for the resolution of disputes between students in the
public primary and secondary schools in the county.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the commissioners court of a county
with a population of more than 2,400,000 in SECTION 1 (Section
153.003(b)(2), Civil Practice and Remedies Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Title 7, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding
Chapter 153, as follows: 
CHAPTER 153.  ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS

Sec. 153.001.  DEFINITION.  Defines "alternative dispute resolution
system." 

Sec. 153.002.  SCOPE OF CHAPTER.  Provides that this chapter applies only
to a county with a population of more than 2,400,000. 

Sec. 153.003.  ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS.
Authorizes the commissioners court of a county, by order, to establish an
alternative dispute resolution system for the peaceable and expeditious
resolution of disputes between students in the public primary and
secondary schools in the county.  Authorizes the commissioners court to
take all necessary action to make the alternative dispute resolution
system effective. Provides that the actions of an entity authorized by
Subsection (b)(3) are subject to the approval of the commissioners court. 

Sec. 153.004.  FINANCING.  Authorizes the commissioners court to set a
certain court cost in an amount not to exceed $3.50 to establish and
maintain an alternative dispute resolution system for students.  Provides
that the county is not liable for the payment of a court cost under this
section.  Sets forth the guidelines relating to the collection, payment,
deposit, and use of the school conflict resolution fund.  

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.