SRC-VRA H.B. 887 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 887
78R366 KLA-FBy: Dutton (West)
Jurisprudence
5/5/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current Texas law does not authorize the court to provide for the award of
expenses in addition to attorney's fees in a suit affecting the
parent-child relationship.  H.B. 887 authorizes the payment of judgment
and postjudment interest directly to the attorney. 

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 106.002, Family Code, as follows:

Sec.  106.002.  New heading: ATTORNEY'S FEES AND EXPENSES.  (a)
Authorizes the court, in a suit under this title, to render judgment for,
rather than order, reasonable attorney's fees and expenses and to order
the judgment and postjudment interest, rather than fees, to be paid
directly to an attorney.  

  (b)  Makes conforming changes.

SECTION 2.Effective date:  September 1, 2003.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.