SRC-AXB H.B. 3182 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3182
76R10732  PAM-FBy: Grusendorf (Harris)
State Affairs
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Prior to 1995, service of citation for unpaid rent and service of citation
for eviction were allowed to be served simultaneously.  However, under a
1995 attorney general opinion, these citations are required to be filed
separately.  H.B. 3185 increases efficiency by creating procedures allowing
the services of citation of unpaid rent and eviction to be filed in a
single suit. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3182 creates procedures applicable in a suit filed by a
landlord to evict and recover unpaid rent from a tenant. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 24, Property Code, by adding Section 24.0051, as
follows: 

Sec.  24.0051.  PROCEDURES APPLICABLE IN SUIT TO EVICT AND RECOVER UNPAID
RENT.  Provides that personal service on the tenant or service on the
tenant under Rule 742a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, is sufficient to
support a default judgment for possession of the premises and unpaid rent,
in a certain suit filed by a landlord.  Authorizes a landlord to recover
unpaid rent regardless of certain circumstances involving the tenant's
vacating of the premises by a certain date. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.