By Thompson H.B. No. 2158 77R5221 MCK-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to the acceleration of the appeal in certain suits 1-3 affecting the parent-child relationship. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Section 109.002(a), Family Code, is amended to 1-6 read as follows: 1-7 (a) An appeal from a final order rendered in a suit, when 1-8 allowed under this section or under other provisions of law, shall 1-9 be as in civil cases generally. An appeal in a suit in which 1-10 termination of the parent-child relationship is in issue shall be 1-11 given precedence over other civil cases and shall be accelerated by 1-12 the appellate courts. The procedures for an accelerated appeal 1-13 under the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure apply to an appeal in 1-14 which the termination of the parent-child relationship is in issue. 1-15 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001, and 1-16 applies only to an appeal in a suit affecting the parent-child 1-17 relationship pending on or begun on or after that date.