SRC-VRA H.B. 884 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 884
78R360 MCK-FBy: Dutton (Lucio)
Jurisprudence
4/28/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Although current law requires parties wishing to use alternative dispute
resolution (ADR) to settle a dispute outside the courtroom to sign a
statement agreeing to use ADR, most courts noe require ADR as a matter of
course.  H.B. 884 removes the unnecessary requirement of a statement
regarding ADR in the content of the pleading, and simplifies the filing of
a suit for dissolution of marriage or a suit affecting the parent-child
relationship.  

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.  Repealer:  Section 6.404 (Statement on Alternate Dispute
Resolution) and Section 102.0085 (Statement on Alternative Dispute
Resolution), Family Code. 

SECTION 2.Effective date:  September 1, 2003.  Provides that this Act
applies to a suit for dissolution of a marriage or a suit affecting the
parent-child relationship filed before, on, or after September 1, 2003.