SRC-JJJ S.B. 252 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 252 76R3794 DLF-FBy: Ellis Jurisprudence 3/10/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law does not specifically address alternative dispute resolution systems for certain students. S.B. 252 would create an alternative dispute resolution systems for student in a county with a population of more than 2,400,000, namely Harris County. This bill would also enable Harris County to expand certain programs involving prevention of violent crime among at-risk youth, conflict resolution programs, and peer mediation training programs. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 252 authorizes certain counties to establish an alternative dispute resolution system for students. 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 Title 7, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding Chapter 153, as follows: CHAPTER 153. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS Sec. 153.001. DEFINITION. Defines "alternative dispute resolution system." Sec. 153.002. SCOPE OF CHAPTER. Specifies that this chapter applies only to a county with a population exceeding 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 (system) for disputes between students in public primary and secondary schools in the county. Authorizes the court, if necessary, to contract with specific outside entities to administer the system, make reasonable rules relating to the system, and vest management of the system in an entity selected by the commission. Sec. 153.004. FINANCING. Authorizes the commissioners court to set a court cost not to exceed $3.50, to be taxed, collected, and paid as other court costs in each civil case, with exceptions, to establish and maintain a system for students. Establishes that the county is not liable for court costs under this section. Requires the clerks of the courts to collect and pay the costs to the county treasurer, or officer who shall deposit the funds into a fund known as the school conflict resolution fund. Requires the fund to be administered by the commissioners court and may be used only in establishing and maintaining the system for students in the county. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.