SRC-JBJ H.B. 2158 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2158
77R5221 MCK-DBy: Thompson (West, Royce)
Jurisprudence
4/26/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law requires that an appeal in a parental rights termination suit
be given precedence over other civil cases, but does not require the court
to accelerate the appeal.  H.B. 2158 requires appellate courts to
accelerate appeals in suits in which termination of the parent-child
relationship is in issue.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 109.002(a), Family Code, to require an appeal in
a suit in which termination of the parent-child relationship is in issue to
be given precedence over other civil cases and to be accelerated by the
appellate courts.  Provides that the procedures for an accelerated appeal
under the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure apply to an appeal in which
the termination of the parent-child relationship is in issue. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.  Provides that this Act
applies only to an appeal in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship
pending on or begun on or after the effective date of this Act.