78R2280 SGA-F

By:  Janek                                                        S.B. No. 184



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.