HBA-PDH H.B. 1141 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1141 By: Thompson Civil Practices 2/26/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, Section 30.15, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, requires each party to a civil suit to provide the party's address to the clerk of a court and provides that this information is confidential absent the express authorization of the court. In order to comply with the confidentiality requirement of Section 30.15, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a court must maintain separate files for all civil actions filed with the court. Rule 76a, Rules of Civil Procedure, currently provides a mechanism to seal court records when the court determines that confidentiality is necessary. H.B. 1141 repeals the confidentiality requirement of Section 30.15, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and specifies the courts to which this section applies. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 30.015(a), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to specify the courts to whom written notice of each party's name and current residence or business address must be given when a civil action is filed. SECTION 2.Repealer: Section 30.015(g) (regarding the confidentiality and disclosure of information provided to the court clerk), Civil Practice and Remedies Code. SECTION 3.Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4.Emergency clause.