AN ACT 1-1 relating to mediation in certain criminal cases. 1-2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-3 SECTION 1. Article 26.13, Code of Criminal Procedure, is 1-4 amended by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows: 1-5 (h) Notwithstanding this article, a court shall not order 1-6 the state or any of its prosecuting attorneys to participate in 1-7 mediation, dispute resolution, arbitration, or other similar 1-8 procedures in relation to a criminal prosecution unless upon 1-9 written consent of the state. 1-10 SECTION 2. The importance of this legislation and the 1-11 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 1-12 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 1-13 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 1-14 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, 1-15 and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its 1-16 passage, and it is so enacted. _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1125 passed the Senate on April 23, 1999, by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 1; and that the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 18, 1999, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1125 passed the House, with amendment, on May 13, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: _______________________________ Date _______________________________ Governor