78R2280 SGA-F
By: Hope, et al. H.B. No. 538
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the funding of alternative dispute resolution systems.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 152.004(a), Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) To establish and maintain an alternative dispute
resolution system, the commissioners court may set a court cost in
an amount not to exceed $15 [$10] to be taxed, collected, and paid
as other court costs in each civil case filed in a county or
district court in the county, including a civil case relating to
probate matters but not including:
(1) a suit for delinquent taxes;
(2) a condemnation proceeding under Chapter 21,
Property Code; or
(3) a proceeding under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and
Safety Code.
SECTION 2. Section 152.005, Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 152.005. ADDITIONAL FEE FOR JUSTICE COURTS [CERTAIN
COUNTIES]. (a) To establish and maintain an alternative dispute
resolution system, the commissioners court [of a county with a
population of 2.5 million or more] may, in addition to the court
cost authorized under Section 152.004, set a court cost in an amount
not to exceed $5 [$3] for civil cases filed in a justice court
located in the county, but not including:
(1) a suit for delinquent taxes; or
(2) an eviction proceeding, including a forcible
detainer, a forcible entry and detainer, or a writ of re-entry.
(b) A clerk of the court shall collect and pay the court cost
in the manner prescribed by Section 152.004(c).
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003, and
applies only to a civil case filed on or after that date.