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.