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.